1925 Talbot Z 10 Roadster

The National Automobile Museum Auction|13 June 2026, 10:00 PDT|Reno, National Automobile Museum

1925 Talbot Z 10 Roadster
Chassis no. 20173
Engine no. Z10566

1,070cc Pushrod Overhead Valve Inline Four-Cylinder
Single carburetor
23bhp at 3,000rpm
Four-Speed Manual Transmission
Live Axles with Leaf Springs
Rear Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes

* Rare and little known
* Remarkable performance from under 1.1 liters
* Handsome sporting coachwork
* Seminal example of the prescient design imagination of Georges Roesch

THE TALBOT Z 10

The Talbot marque has a complicated Anglo-French history starting in France with the Societe Clement Bayard in the first decade of the last century. Clement automobiles (then known as Bayard) were sold in England as Clement-Talbot and known as Talbot. In 1924 Swiss engineer Georges Roesch designed a new, lightweight, high-speed pushrod operated overhead valve four of only 1,070cc. With a fiscal (Royal Auto Club) rating of only 10hp on a dynamometer it was rated as 23 horsepower with only a single carburetor

Roesch's performance formula realized that higher engine speed could offset engine size and to make it possible he went to lengths to reduce reciprocating weight. The connecting rods were lightweight tubular assemblies and, more importantly, Roesch reduced the weight of the valve train by eliminating the rocker arm tappet adjustments in favor of an ingenious eccentric pivot that could be turned to set clearances.

In search of lightweight pushrods Roesch finally found an unusual but talented source, a maker of tubular knitting needles. Using high octane Benzole (a compound of benzene, toluene and xylenes) the Talbot Z 10 could achieve engine speeds of 6,000 rpm and output of 56 brake horsepower, making the little Talbot Z 10 one of the most potent and stealthy cars of its era combining light weight with surprising power.

THE CAR OFFERED

The early history of this Talbot Z 10 is not known, but it was acquired by the William F. Harrah Automobile Foundation as part of a 1988 trade deal with Bill Anderson of Incline Village, Nevada that included the 1908 New York-Paris trophy now displayed with the National Automobile Museum's signature vehicle, the race winning Thomas Flyer.

The Talbot Z 10 is righthand drive and has a two-seat roadster body finished in dark green with black fenders, green leather upholstery and a black cloth top. It has Birmingham Union headlights and cowl lights, black painted wood spoke wheels with 4.75-19 tires, a dickey (rumble) seat and vacuum windshield wipers. The dashboard has a Jaeger speedometer, Talbot clock along with engine gauges. Documentation includes its original manuals and a UK logbook.

It has an older restoration with some paint issues and aged upholstery. Under the hood the tiny 1,070cc overhead valve engine is pleasingly designed and executed, a stark contrast with most of its contemporaries that relied upon bulk and cubic inches rather than the Z 10's sophisticated design and quality execution. It has been drained and displayed for years since acquisition and will need extensive attention before its performance can be experienced but will reward its next owner with a delightful story to tell and performance that challenges contemporary sports cars with 4-, 5-, and even 6-times its engine displacement.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
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For MOTORCAR property the premium is 12% of the final bid price.
Collection Notices
LOT COLLECTION DEADLINE: 12pm PDT on Monday, June 15, 2026
Motor Vehicle:
Uncollected Motor Vehicle Lots following the Collection Deadline will be uplifted and stored by Passport Auto Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Motor vehicle removal and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
Purchased lots become the buyer's risk once the hammer falls. Storage, collection, and uplift for paid and unpaid lot removal is at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Overseas buyers are strongly advised to make collection arrangements with Bonhams in advance of the auction. Buyers may have an authorised agent collect their purchases according to the collection deadline.
It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Representatives of Bonhams|Cars preferred carriers are available on site to provide shipping quotes and transport information.
Domestic Motorcar Transport:
Passport Auto Transport Contact:
Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or mobile +1 (314) 496 6228 [email protected]
International Motorcar and Motorcycle Transport:
Schumacher Cargo Logistics Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117
[email protected]
International Motorcar Transport:
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Denise Rodriguez, +1 (305) 849 9326
[email protected]
Payment Notices
Payment Deadline: 12pm PDT on Monday, June 15, 2026
Cashiering Hours:
Saturday, June 13, during the auction
Sunday, June 14, 8:30am to 5:30pm
Monday, June 15, 8:30am to 12pm
Shipping Notices
LOT COLLECTION DEADLINE: 12pm PDT on Monday, June 15, 2026
Motor Vehicle:
Uncollected Motor Vehicle Lots following the Collection Deadline will be uplifted and stored by Passport Auto Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Motor vehicle removal and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
Purchased lots become the buyer's risk once the hammer falls. Storage, collection, and uplift for paid and unpaid lot removal is at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Overseas buyers are strongly advised to make collection arrangements with Bonhams in advance of the auction. Buyers may have an authorised agent collect their purchases according to the collection deadline.
It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Representatives of Bonhams|Cars preferred carriers are available on site to provide shipping quotes and transport information.
Domestic Motorcar Transport:
Passport Auto Transport Contact:
Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or mobile +1 (314) 496 6228 [email protected]
International Motorcar and Motorcycle Transport:
Schumacher Cargo Logistics Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117
[email protected]
International Motorcar Transport:
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Denise Rodriguez, +1 (305) 849 9326
[email protected]

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