1934 Talbot 65/75 Drophead Foursome Coupe

Lot details
Registration No: YG 7322
Chassis No: 36539
Mot Expiry: Exempt

Arguably the handsomest Drophead Coupe design ever to grace a Roesch Talbot, the few surviving examples of Carlton's `Foursome' coachwork are highly sought after. Supplied new via the Thornton Engineering Co Ltd of Bradford during May 1934, `YG 7322' owes its conservation to the Marsden family. Dry stored in a purpose-built garage on the Isle of Wight for most of their forty-five year custodianship (1943-1988), chassis 36539 was subsequently acquired by marque specialist Ian Polson who fitted it with the 2.3-litre six-cylinder engine, pre-selector gearbox, steering column and torque tube from a more powerful BA75 sports saloon on behalf of David Jones. Purchased from the latter by fellow Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq Register member David Thomson in February 1994, the 65/75 had had much mechanical work done but was cosmetically untouched. Entrusted to John Foy Ltd, its well-preserved `Foursome' coachwork was stripped to bare metal and treated to various ash frame repairs before being repainted Dark Green. Able to retain much of the original Brown leather upholstery too (only the front seat cushions needed replacing) they fabricated a new hood for the ingenious three-position roof. Having spent some £59,000 on `YG 7322', Mr Thomson used it for several memorable trips including a reunion with the Marsden family and the 1997 RACMSA Euroclassic (a four-day rally from Brussels to Monza). Chronicling both adventures for the STD Register's Newsletter, he noted the Talbot's ability to `cruise along very nicely at 70mph at about 3,500rpm'. Returned to Ian Polson for maintenance and fettling by next keeper Gideon Hudson, chassis 36539 has formed part of a private collection for the last fourteen years. Primarily serviced in-house during that time, it has now covered some 18,000 post-restoration miles. Wearing a gentle patina, this rare and decidedly elegant Post-Vintage Thoroughbred is offered for sale with continuation buff logbook, period Talbot Instruction book, numerous restoration invoices / photographs, assorted old MOTs, copy STD Register articles and fresh MOT certificate.