Vehicle Description
In 1916, Georges Henri Roesch became chief engineer of Clement
Talbot, Ltd., of London. Talbot was originally an importer and
assembler of French Cl�ment-Bayard automobiles, and later, with the
construction the necessary facilities, builder of British Talbot
cars from 1906. Born in Switzerland, Roesch brought with him a vast
amount of experience from motoring pioneers such as Gr�goire,
Delaunay Belleville, Renault, and Daimler. Upon his arrival at
Talbot, he set about designing a new range of cars for the
post-Great War era, but financial constraints meant his design only
came to fruition after the formation of the Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq
partnership in 1920. His brilliant 14/45 model, a light
six-cylinder car with an engine displacing 1665cc, came just at the
right time, as S-T-D Motors, Ltd. was in dire financial straits.
The star of Roesch's new model was the six-cylinder engine which,
thanks to light weight but strong internals, revved to an extremely
high 4500 rpm and produced 41 horsepower. While it was not intended
as a sports car, it delivered excellent performance and road
manners for a touring car of the period. Other advancements
included a gearbox lubricated by warm engine oil and an oil
pressure warning light in place of the standard gauge. The 14/45
proved very popular from 1926 through 1932 with over 11,000
examples built. The Sunbeam Talbot Darracq Register indicates that
this 14/45 Tourer, chassis number 25065, was originally sold to the
delightfully named Maude's Motor Mart of Exeter, UK. It was ordered
on 19 February 1929, invoiced the next day and delivered the
following week on 27 February. In previous ownership, it was
restored over an extended period from the 1970s until 1996. Its
original registration, RL 9317, a 1929 Cornwall issue, remains with
the car. Wearing five-seat open coachwork from Darracq Motor
Engineering Co., which had been Alexandre Darracq's aeronautical
company during the Great War, this car is the quintessential early
British tourer. It is handsomely finished in deep blue with black
wings and a black hood and tonneau cover. The body features
restrained nickel brightwork which is in very good condition. The
paintwork is showing a light and pleasing patina, while still
remaining very attractive. Notable period features are direction
signals atop the rear number plate, a fishtail exhaust, and
leather-gaitered springs. The cabin is simple and elegantly
appointed, in keeping with the period. The dark blue leather has
been recently refurbished and presents in excellent condition. A
wood fascia is dotted with period instrumentation from Smiths and
Jaeger. The full folding hood and side curtains keep occupants dry
during the occasional bout of proper English weather. The six
cylinder engine is pleasingly and honestly presented, with minimal
flash and decoration but mainly correct fittings and plumbing. It
runs strong and is surprisingly revvy for a car of this era. That
wonderful engine in combination with the four-speed manual
transmission and four wheel brakes makes the Talbot AG a
delightfully brisk car to drive. Since the restoration was
completed, this Talbot has seen only moderate use and regular
upkeep, and it remains in very well preserved condition. It will
certainly make for a very enjoyable and seldom-seen touring and
event car. Sale includes period brochures, a copy of the owner's
pamphlet, sheets documenting production details, and a full set of
side curtains.