Highlights

Replica of the Alpine team-winning Talbot AX65/AV105 Vanden Plas Tourer
Approximately £100,000 in documented engine rebuild and restoration work
Complete engine rebuild by Ian Polson completed in 2023
Only four registered keepers since 1934
History file with invoices detailing all major work carried out

The Appeal

The Talbot 105 occupies a revered place in pre-war motoring history, its name forever linked with the team prize at the punishing Alpine Trial and oft-celebrated as the fastest four-cylinder car of its period. However, with less than 500 built, it's little wonder that they're immensely scarce. Enthusiasts have spent quite some time replicating that car's champion characteristics, often using the marque's more numerous cars.

This particular example started life as a Talbot 65 with a Carlton drophead coupé body before being progressively developed over the decades into a replica of those celebrated Alpine team cars, now wearing Vanden Plas Tourer coachwork and running full 105-specification mechanicals with triple SU carburettors and a Blydenstein cylinder head.

The mechanical pedigree here is considerable. In 2001, a retired Rolls-Royce engineer rebuilt the 3-litre engine, while the pre-selector gearbox was reconditioned by Cecil Schumacher. When oil pressure issues later emerged, the car was entrusted to Ian Polson for a complete engine rebuild between 2022 and 2023. In early 2024, further work was carried out by Pace Historics. The vendor states the car is in fine condition, though it has not been used for approximately 18 months owing to ill health. With only four registered keepers from new, this is a well-sorted, rally-capable pre-war tourer that's loaded with character.

Key Information

Mileage: N/A
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
Technical specs: 2,962cc six-cylinder petrol (105 specification), four-speed pre-selector gearbox
Paperwork: invoices totalling approximately £100,000 documenting engine rebuilds and restoration work

The Detail

Complete engine rebuild carried out by Ian Polson, completed August 2023
New aluminium cylinder head fitted during the 2022–2023 rebuild
Traffic clutch removed during the 2022–2023 rebuild
3-litre engine previously rebuilt by a retired Rolls-Royce engineer in 2001
Pre-selector gearbox reconditioned by Cecil Schumacher in 2001
Engine upgraded to 105 specification with triple SU carburettors and Blydenstein cylinder head during a documented 1990s restoration
Front axle anti-tramp brackets and cables fitted by Pace Historics in February 2024
Originally a Talbot 65 with Carlton drophead coupé coachwork, upgraded to 95 engine in the 1950s before the 1990s conversion to 105 specification
Handsome two-tone bodywork with upright styling
No sign of any obvious dents or dings
Brightwork contrasts nicely
Wheels are well-presented

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