1914 Talbot 14hp Model 4 CBX Tourer

• Charming open tourer from one of Britain's most respected makes
• Owned for 49 years by Len Wilsdon of Worthing
• Present ownership since 2002
• Regularly campaigned on VCC events
• Maintained by Classic Motivation
• Electric starter

Formed in 1903 to import French Clément cars into the UK, the British-owned Clément-Talbot concern quickly dropped the Clément name and by 1905 was assembling partly British-made Talbots at its new factory in London. A wide variety of French-built models continued to be imported but by 1906 the first all-British Talbot had arrived. The work of designer C R Garrard, this was a 3.8-litre model powered by four-cylinder sidevalve engine of 'T-head' layout. Further four-cylinder models followed, both larger and smaller.

The Model 4 CBX was a car of conventional specification in all major respects. It is powered by a four-cylinder sidevalve engine, which drives via a four-speed gearbox, and has semi-elliptic suspension front and rear. It was one of Talbot's more popular models, rivalling very similar offerings from Sunbeam and Wolseley. Talbots are renowned for both reliability and performance, which was perhaps slightly ahead of their competitors.

First owned by one Rowland Winn, and believed to have had only four owners from new, this 14hp Talbot had been in the ownership of Len Wilsdon of Worthing for 49 years when the late Michael Banfield purchased it at Bonhams' Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale in July 2002 (Lot 1146). On file are records of a sale from the Swandean Garage, Worthing, Sussex in July 1956 (owned at the time by Michael Wilcock of Jersey Motor Museum fame) to Len Wilsdon. In July 2002 the car was described as unused in recent years but carefully stored and with the engine turned over every fortnight.

The Talbot is nicely presented in cream livery with Carnation Red coach lining and maroon leather buttoned upholstery, and enjoys the benefit of CAV electric lighting. It rolls on metal artillery wheels and is equipped with a Beatonson folding windscreen and Auster screen to the rear, and has a hood covered in black duck. It carries a spare wheel on the offside running board with a two-gallon spare petrol can on the nearside. All brightwork is in brass and the car boasts an electric starter, electric horn, bulb horn, driver's mirror and an AA badge. New tyres were fitted at time of purchase and have seen wear. The car is said to have a comfortable cruising speed in the order of 50mph.

On file are recent maintenance receipts from specialists Classic Motivation, who have looked after this car since it joined the Banfield collection. VCC dated, 'LL 3206' comes with Certificate No.520 recording no major modifications from new together with a copy of the original Works Delivery Sheet; buff and green logbooks; and various bills recording restoration.

Both practical and reliable, this Talbot has been used on many VCC South Eastern Section events including the Isle of Wight Main Event and the Best of West Kent Run carrying a full complement of passengers. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a splendid Edwardian from one of Britain's most respected makes.