Talbot 110 Sports Tourer

Technical Specifications

• Mark & Model: Talbot 110 Sports Tourer
• Year: 1937
• Registration plate: Jersey registered
• Chassis Number: 4589
• Engine Number: 110 BG 85
• Engine Capacity: 3378 cc
• Transmission: 4-speed Pre-selector
• Mileage: 189,000
• Body style: 2-door Sports Tourer
• Interior color: Green leather
• Exterior color: Dark Green
• Seating capacity: 4
• Wheels and Tyres: Original steel wheels

Overall Comments

An almost unique opportunity to acquire a late model Talbot 110 – one of the last Roesch-engined Talbots, the last 3½ litre engined car built and the last constructed with competition in mind – together with its very own racing history. This is a well known and well documented Talbot in marque specialist publications. Its own history file is substantial and includes details of the 1937/38 competition use (with supporting photos and correspondence with Geoffrey Wooding) and much in respect of its subsequent history - service and maintenance notebooks from 1947 (around 62,000 miles) through to 1976 and again from 1984 to 1992 (168,000 miles). The restoration work of the 1980s is detailed and there are some supporting photos in this respect too. The Talbot is accompanied with a number of specific and useful mechanical spare parts. The car is currently Jersey registered but the original UK registration number (DXW 3) is available and the car can be supplied re-registered with this applied. We can assist with (international) shipping and importation processes if required.

History

In August 1920 STD Motors Limited was formed, reflecting the merger of Sunbeam, Talbot and Darracq manufacturers under single ownership. During the mid-20s, Talbot’s Swiss-born chief engineer, Georges Roesch, was commissioned with the design of an all-new Talbot which resulted in the successful 14/45 model of 1926. Whilst only of 1,666 cc, the engine for this car had sophisticated engineering - six cylinders; a short, stiff 7-bearing crankshaft; very light valve gear and large ports/valves, which made for a very compact engine with the ability to safely rev to over 5,000 rpm and run a high compression ratio. This – effectively lower weight and greater efficiency – allowed performance figures similar to much larger engines to be achieved.

This formula worked well and the engine was repeatedly bored out, allowing further performance improvements. The first was the 18-70 model (later simply the Talbot 70 or 75), with an engine capacity increased to 2,276 cc. This was followed by the Talbot 90, with a higher compression ratio and bigger carburettor giving a further increase in power. To better compete in the 3 litre class, the engine capacity was again increased - to 2,969 cc, to create the Talbot 105 model in 1931, which was in turn replaced by the 110 model in 1934 (with a 3,378cc engine and a claimed 123 bhp).

Given the relatively light weight and compact design, the six-cylinder Talbot was well suited to racing and both the 90 and 105 models were highly successful, competing in national and international events between 1930 and 1934.

Financial difficulties led to the collapse of the Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq operation and Talbot, along with Sunbeam, was sold to the Rootes Group in 1935. Talbot ceased production in 1938.

Ordered by its first owner, Geoffrey Wooding, in early 1937 specifically for competition use, this Talbot 110 was ‘breathed on’ by the Talbot works department and saw some racing success in the immediate pre-War years, with some race wins and a recorded lap of the Brooklands circuit at just over at 105mph.

The car changed hands briefly in 1938, before the long term ownership of Dick Fuggle of motor dealers R F Fuggle Ltd., Bushey Heath, Herts from 1939 through to 1957. Well used and now with around 138,000 miles recorded, the new owner, Anthony Blight, needed to complete some remedial engine work in order to keep the Talbot in regular use and he recorded another 30,000+ miles before selling the car on in 1976. The 110 saw relatively little use over the next decade and was purchased in 1984 by Talbot enthusiast Michael Wilcox who – amongst other things – ran a Motor Museum here in Jersey. The car received a ‘nut and bolt’ restoration over the next 5 years, returning it to its original build specification throughout.

The current owner acquired the Talbot in 2002 and has kept it in top condition whilst making regular use of the car.

Body

The 2-door Sports Tourer body – originally coachbuilt by Vanden Plas – also received much attention as part of the 80s restoration work. The body was removed from chassis and the panels from the body. Body woodwork was largely renewed and the car repainted in its original green finish. The chromework was renewed, as were the upholstery and carpets. The car remains in strikingly good condition with little to betray the years passed since restoration. To complement the folding hood (in good working order) detachable side screens are provided. Modern-style flashing indicators have been fitted in addition to the original trafficators.

Mechanical

The restoration works carried out between 1985 and 1990 saw the Talbot completely rebuilt by marque experts A. Archer, Motor Engineers of Essex. The engine was returned to original specification with a new crankshaft fitted, gearbox reconditioned and rear axle overhauled. A new wiring loom was installed and the car has an electric fuel pump. Beyond routine maintenance, subsequent work required has been minimal although a new steering box pedestal was fitted in 2015. The 110 remains in excellent mechanical order and drives very well.

Interior

The refurbished interior of the car remains in good condition with just a little gentle patination to the green leather seats. The dashboard is complete and fully functioning.

Asking Price

£ 249,500