Description

1927 Talbot 14/45 Drop Head Coupe

One of the few AF variants left and thought to be the only example with this W & G du Cros body; chassis, bodywork, engine and electrical systems have all been worked on over the last ten years; cracking machine

Georges Roesch, a Swiss automotive engineer, worked under Louis Coatalen in the 1920s at the Talbot Motor Works in North Kensington, to develop an innovative six-cylinder push-rod engine.

The resulting Talbot 14/45 engine went into production in 1927, leading to a successful run of type AD, AF, AG, AQ, AU, AU65 and AX 65 vehicles – in total over 10,000 cars.

This Talbot 14/45 was registered on the 30^th December 1927 (Chassis No. 23293; Engine No. AD1357).  It is one of a few of the AF variants left and is thought to be the only AF with a rare W&G du Cros body.

Purchased by our vendor just over ten years ago, work was immediately started to return the car to its former glory – to improve the chassis, bodywork, and engine, including mechanical and electrical systems. It was first inspected by well respected restorers Brewster Mudie Ltd, who conducted some initial repairs to the exhaust and water manifolds and checked over the engine. Vincent Rawlings was then called upon to complete the engine rebuild which finished in 2014 – the initial firing up can be seen on YouTube here  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGfjN0CForI

The gearbox, chassis and bodywork were all thoroughly inspected and worked on where necessary over the following years to produce the car that you see today. Details of all the work done is extensively recorded within the file of paperwork, therefore if bidders would like to know more, please contact the office directly.

The vendor advises us that it starts and runs, although further commissioning will needed as the car has not been driven on the public roads for some time and additional work would bring the upholstery and hood up to a better standard.

The complex and beautifully made hood frame has been fully restored and simply needs to be covered and under the natty seat covers, the original material exists and remains in scuffy if usable condition. The rear window frame is stored in the boot, together with the dickey squab frame and the starting handle, boot key, some useful spare parts, and special spanners. All window runners are fitted, as are the side windows which roll up and down as they should - basically all the hard work as been done.

The coachwork is in excellent order, with what looks like a quality coach-painted finish to the body - clearly many hours have been spent getting the car to the standard that you see in the photos.

Although it will need a little finishing off for regular use, it serves as a great opportunity to own a rare bodied Talbot - a top-quality car in its day and one which should appeal to the discerning VSCC motorist.

Further information to come - toby.service@brightwells.com