Property of a deceased's estate
1935 Talbot 75 Sports Saloon

• Rare Post-Vintage Thoroughbred
• Single family ownership 1936-2009
• Engine rebuilt by Formhalls in 2012
• Offered from a deceased's estate

"The 75 is a remarkably fast car from place to place, not just because it has a genuine maximum speed above 74mph, which is very good indeed, but because speeds anywhere up to 55 or even 60mph can be held pleasurably on suitable roads..." – The Autocar.

The most successful division of the Anglo-French Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq combine, Talbot might well have escaped take-over by Rootes in 1935 had it not been shackled to its weaker partners. The company's then healthy position had been achieved by a succession of well-engineered products penned by its designer, Swiss-born Georges Roesch, whose obsession with the pursuit of high performance through increased engine revolutions led to some of the most memorable cars of the 1930s. Developed from the highly successful 14/45, the 2.3-litre '75' offered roomy, comfortable transport at a competitive price and, like all Roesch's Talbot creations, was powered by a smooth and flexible six-cylinder overhead-valve engine endowed with a remarkably high output for its size. Available in two wheelbase lengths (114" and 120", the latter being more expensive), the chassis was a substantial, X-braced affair featuring semi-elliptic front and quarter-elliptic rear springing, and equipped with effective brakes. The Wilson pre-selector, 'self-changing' gearbox and traffic clutch came as standard.

This example, with its Darracq coachwork, is one of a believed five surviving. The Talbot was originally ordered by the British Ambassador to Spain but was never delivered. It was bought in 1936 by a Mr Steed and remained in his family's possession until 2009. In 1998 the car had been recommissioned and repainted by Highton Restorations. The history file contains numerous receipts; in particular, a vast amount of money was spent in 2012 on an engine rebuild by Formhalls Vintage & Racing Ltd of Fordingbridge. There is also a charming early monochrome photograph of the car. Finished in silver and blue with a blue leather interior, this rare sporting Talbot will require some re-commissioning before returning to the road. Last driven regularly in 2023, Bonhams were able to start the car during the photoshoot and it drove without any obvious issues.