Case histories
This handsome tourer still wears its original Coupe des Alpes bodywork by Vanden Plas. Originally grey/green, it has been this colour since 1955 according to the buff logbook, which confirms only five owners since 1938. It was last restored in the 1970s, with much of the work carried out by leading Talbot specialist John Bland, and has done very little since, so the appearance remains excellent. The recorded mileage may well be since restoration, and the Michelins still show casting stringers, the spare being unused. There are now discreet flashing indicators fitted.
The paint and chrome are in fine condition, with only lightly dinged headlights, and the seat leather is just settling in; that on the side and door trims is likely original. The hood and tonneau look older, and there are a couple of cracks on the steering-wheel spokes.
The dashboard is very good, still sporting a plaque for Speed Models, the dealer that sold it in 1938, and the speedometer was overhauled in 2005.
The engine is tidy, with original-type fanbelt. The coolant is full and there’s plenty of oil. The chassis and fuel tank show no rust, the exhaust still looks fairly fresh and the underside of the diff is bone dry. New grease nipples and split-pins on the front brakes point to ongoing care and attention.
The 2969cc ‘six’ starts easily, sounding very mechanical but with no nasty noises. When pulling away from cold there’s a little clutch judder but after that it behaves perfectly, with very smooth changes from the preselector ’box. The brakes are excellent by 1930s standards – these cars were designed for Alpine touring by Swiss Georges Roesch – and there’s no perceptible play in the steering on the move. The ammeter shows charge and the oil-level gauge works, though the temperature and fuel gauges don’t.
It is sold with a huge history file, including lubrication charts, old bills, wiring diagrams and tax discs, plus some fascinating correspondence from a previous owner about retaining its original registration, which remains on the car.
SUMMARY
EXTERIOR
Straight, with good paint and chromework
INTERIOR
New leather is just settling in, with some original
MECHANICALS
Not many miles since restoration
VALUE +++++++,,,
For Condition and rarity
Against Preselector gearbox might not suit everyone
SHOULD I BUY IT?
All the signs are good: a rare and interesting alternative to a Derby Bentley, from a leading expert