Highlights
- Lovely old Talbot with remarkable history
- Previous titled owner
- Rebodied in Canada in the 1970s
- Sympathetically restored in the late 2000s
The Appeal
Although the British Talbot concern was part of the larger Anglo-French Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq (STD) group, it was struggling to stay in business when Swiss-born engineer Georges Roesch returned to the company in London in 1925. Starting with a new six-cylinder engine, in the 14/45 of 1926, he transformed the prospects of the business, and was only ousted when Talbot fell into the hands of the Rootes Group in 1935.
Roesch had a ground-up approach – new chassis, new engines, new coachbuilders and a new sales approach were all part of the plan, the first fruit of which was the 14/45. Its chassis, like that of the other 'Roesch Talbots' which would follow, was conventional enough, but the engine was superb.
Even in original form, when it measured a mere 1,666 cc, and had only four crankshaft main bearings, it seemed to be years ahead of contemporary British opposition. With good handling and the high quality of engineering on the new model, the car was in high demand.
This example was built in 1928 and began life as a metal bodied saloon, believed to have been sold new to Sir Rufus Isaacs - The Viceroy of India (the service history includes a letter from his grandson pertaining to the car) and was brought back to the UK in 1932. Its ownership history is recorded since up until it was exported to Canada in the mid-1970s, where the original steel body was replaced with a vinyl-trimmed tourer body – making it a comfortable four-seater with an open roof.
It was reimported in 1991 and had three further owners, the most recent of whom was the vendor’s late father. It has been used regularly over the past 15 years including trips to various classic car events, including the Le Mans Classic, and is offered for sale in charming, usable condition.
The History and Paperwork
- UK V5C
- Tax, MOT and emissions zone exempt
- Original buff logbook and records of all keepers since 1972
- Previous titled owner – Lord Reading, Rufus Isaacs
- First restored and rebodied in Canada in the 1970s
- Restored again in late 2000s with a log of all work kept by the then owner, and included in the service history
- Parts invoices from well-known Talbot specialists including Ian Polson and Arthur Archer
- Original drawings of tourer body from when it was constructed
- Arthur Archer repair manuals and parts list
- Copies of correspondence from Lord Antony Rufus-Isaacs, the grandson of Lord Reading
- Handwritten log of work carried out by vendor’s father during his ownership
- Export and import correspondence from when the car went to Canada and subsequently returned to the UK
The Condition
- Older restoration with charming patina
- Lovely overall condition, but not concours
- Vinyl-covered body panels all in good order with a couple of very small flaws in vinyl outer body (see photos)
- Black painted running boards and mudguards, with some minor paint damage and touched-in repairs
- Fully electric lighting all-round
- Loads of stunning art-deco styling details in chromework and trim
- Red wire wheels with correct profile vintage-style tyres
- Very tidy fold-down canvas roof with rear tonneau cover and hood cover – not perfect but in sound, weatherproof order
- Green leather seats in very good condition
- Vinyl trimmed side panels and door cards
- Ornate varnished wood dash
- External temperature gauge
- Fire extinguisher
- A truly charming old car in lovely, usable and not over-restored condition with immense character
The Mechanics
- 1,666cc straight-six OHV
- 48bhp
- Crash gearbox
- Well-maintained by all previous keepers and engine rebuilt during restoration
- SU carb conversion
- Ignition system recently completely overhauled
- Reported by the vendor to drive superbly with no known issues or faults
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
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