1936 Talbot BD75 Sports

Once a pre-war saloon had become past its best, it quite often became rebuilt as an open tourer and was often known as a special. It was important to choose the subject of such an exercise with care and since the object would be to create something sporty, it was worth considering the competition successes of the marque in question, in order to gauge the possible performance of the completed vehicle. There would be possible offerings from all the well-known pre-war brands but favourites for conversion amongst the British contingent would have been Rileys, MGs, Sunbeams and Talbots.

The Talbot history started in 1902, made inroads under various titles through the Great War, then combined with Sunbeam and Darracq in an Anglo French venture. By the mid 1930’s, Rootes bought the London Talbot factory and Antonio Lago bought the Paris Talbot factory. The Talbot name sadly became somewhat obscure, but one would be hard pressed to find a finer example of British motoring heritage.

This fine special sports car started life as a 75 four-door Saloon, originally built at Darracq’s works using a BD Series drop-chassis frame. In the early sixties and at a mileage of 49000, we understand that the motor car was in poor order but retained all original components and registration number. The then long-term owner decided to rebuild the Talbot as a sports car, so the wheelbase was shortened to 108 inches, the steel scuttle was lowered and narrowed, the radiator reduced in height and the rear suspension flattened slightly. It wasn’t until the mid-eighties that further restoration commenced and that continued until 2001. The engine was sent to a specialist for work but in fact apparently needed little attention. The gearbox, chassis, transmission, steering, front and rear axles, starter, dynamo and much more was all overhauled by specialists.  The owner fitted a sports tourer body and had made a hood, tonneau cover and fold flat screen. We are told that the mechanical components are mainly original, apart from the steering box, cylinder head, flywheel and clutch, which were upgraded to Talbot 90 specification. At the time, work carried out exceeded £10,000.

In 2001, the Talbot was driven 3500 miles across America for charity, we understand with total reliability. The late husband of the current custodian purchased the sporting car in 2005 and from the file, we can see that in 2006, further cosmetic work was carried out, specifically to the wings, lamps, chassis and wheels, at a cost of over £12000. Work to the carburettor, fuel pump and other mechanical attention was carried out in 2019 at almost £1000. Despite this expenditure, the Talbot hasn’t been used a great deal in the last eighteen years but we presume it to be in good mechanical order due to its regular maintenance. Overall, the sports car is in very good order and would be a lovely opportunity for someone looking to compete or just to enjoy a vintage Talbot special.

The extensive history file contains photographs, lots of invoices, correspondence, a 1989 VSCC eligibility form, marque history, a photocopy instruction book, the bill of sale for the previous ownership, MOT test certificates, road tax discs, parts lists, the V5C registration certificate and much more. A new VSCC eligibility form has recently been acquired for the Talbot. 

Please note: A price reduction has been implemented due to a possible head gasket fault. 

SOLD