1911 Talbot 15hp Type M Roi-des-Belges

Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Chassis No: 5118
Mot Expiry: Exempt

Introduced for 1911 the revised Talbot 15hp boasted a larger four-cylinder sidevalve engine than its predecessor (3563cc vs. 2978cc) plus a 9ft 8in wheelbase and 4ft 7in track. Interestingly David Culshaw and Peter Horrobin's 'The Complete Catalogue of British Cars 1895-1975' also lists the Talbot 20/30 of 1914-1915 as having a 3563cc four-cylinder engine of 90mm bore x 140mm stroke which suggests that the earlier model was unusually large for a 15hp. Indeed the Talbot 15hp of 1911-1913 had a half-litre displacement advantage over the contemporaneous Vauxhall A-Type 16/20. Little wonder then that this generation of Talbot 15hp achieved considerable success in hillclimbs and speed trials.

According to its accompanying copy Works ledger entry, chassis 5118 was erected on March 8th 1911. Destined for Australia, it was fitted with larger 880 x 120 wheels to better cope with the preponderance of unmade roads and engine number 122. The remarks column carries a single name: Phizackerley. A former bicycle manufacturer who had embraced the horseless carriage with gusto, Isaac Phizackerley was one of Sydney's first car dealers. A 'hands on' personality who often demonstrated his wares in competition, he took on Minerva, Argyll, Standard and Talbot agencies during the Edwardian period and even had his own coachbuilding business. Though, whether or not that division was responsible for crafting the 15hp's imposing Talbot-inspired 'Roi des Belges' bodywork is unknown.

Self-evidently the subject of past restoration work (perhaps during the 1960s?), the Tourer's life Down Under is something of a mystery. Recently repatriated, chassis 5118 has been duty paid but not UK registered. Starting readily upon inspection, it performed well through the four gears but would doubtless benefit from some recommissioning. Undeniably handsome, its Green livery is punctuated by Rushmore acetylene headlamps, Powell and Hanmer acetylene carriage/side-lamps and a Lucas King of the Road tail-lamp. Offered for sale with assorted literature, a spares package is available by separate negotiation.