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We are pleased to offer this rare and very attractive 1936 Talbot Ten with open four seater Sports Tourer coachwork by Whittingham and Mitchell.
The car is in excellent condition having undergone a thorough restoration commencing in 2006 and presents superbly in British Racing Green with dark brown upholstery and black weather equipment.
A huge amount of effort and thought has gone into the restoration and that really shows in the finished article.
Two significant upgrades were made in the course of the restoration. The first was the fitment of a Sunbeam Talbot ‘80’ overhead valve engine in place of the original side valve unit which has also been fully rebuilt and accompanies the car. The second was the replacement of the original Bendix braking system with a Lockheed hydraulic set up based on a later Sunbeam (Talbot) Alpine with twin leading shoe operation – a very worthwhile modification.
The Talbot comes with a very comprehensive history file including photographs of the restoration and lots of invoices. Also present are copies of the original chassis ledger, period advertising and press articles as well as an owner’s handbook and much technical information.
Introduced in 1936, the Talbot Ten was an early result of the takeover of the Talbot and Sunbeam motor companies by the Rootes brothers and was intended to broaden the Talbot marque’s appeal by returning to the small car sector (the 8/ 18 and 10/ 23 of the early 1920s were highly though of light cars) and making use of components shared with other marques within the group – in this case the Hillman Aero Minx. The Talbot Ten was well finished and equipped and was marketed as ‘ Britain’s most exclusive light car’
Our Talbot was delivered in February 1936 from Whittingham and Mitchell to well-known dealers Pass and Joyce of Hanover Square, London selling it to Mr W. C. Reitzel of Earls Court who was to retain the car until 1954. The second owner, Mr J. R. McRae kept the car for 7 years before passing on to Mr R. D. Stuart who owned it until 1983. Nothing is known of the history between 1983 and 1996 when it was acquired by George Smith who commenced the restoration. It was however, unfinished and in 2006 Peter Fletcher took on the project and the result is testament to his vision and skill. Much work was undertaken including replacement of the majority of the ash body frame and floor together with the steel footwells. The steel body skin and the aluminium bonnet and doors are all original and restored. Mr Fletcher was to retain the car until 2019 during which time it was used extensively, including a trip to France, with total reliability.
On the road the Talbot displays excellent road manners and drives very well. One outstanding feature is the quality of the ride which is truly exceptional for a pre-war open car with no rattles or squeaks to distract from the enjoyment of the drive. The 1185cc engine provides willing performance and the four speed gearbox is very easy to use with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and top.
The comprehensive weather equipment comprises mohair hood and hood bag, sidescreens and a new vinyl tonneau – more durable and practical in our opinion.
There are several thoughtful touches including a battery isolator, direction indicators, fog and spot lights, separately switched electric fuel pump, heater and a sat nav socket making this beautiful motor car exceptionally user friendly.
The Talbot Ten is well catered for in terms of advice and spares back up from a couple of specialists and the enthusiastic Sunbeam Talbot Alpine Register.
The car is on the button and ready to enjoy.
We would, as usual, happily consider taking an interesting classic car in part exchange.
Please note , as I am lucky enough to operate and live from the same premises, I am able to remain open during lockdown, as are all our suppliers and delivery partners.
All our cars our garaged in well lit buildings and we can happily provide socially distanced viewing at virtually anytime, 7 days a week. Please just call to arrange an appointment in advance .
Thank you for reading
