1933 Talbot AV105 Sports 2-Seater

As a Swiss, Talbot Chief Engineer, Georges Roesch, designed his cars with Alpine motoring in mind. With their combination of a strong and powerful push-rod six cylinder engine, powerful brakes, light and accurate steering and a compact, light yet sturdy chassis it is no surprise that Talbots excelled in the Alpine Trials of the 1930s, then undoubtedly the foremost long distance rally and an incredible test for both car and driver. Coupled with their successes at Le Mans, Ards and Brooklands the Talbot AV105 was clearly the most effective British sporting car of its size in the period. These successes culminated in the 1932 and 1934 Alpine Trials where the famed Talbot Team of specially prepared cars, got through these most arduous of events without losing a single mark on both occasions. This success has been echoed today and Talbots have been hugely successful in rallies and races such as the Flying Scotsman, 1000 Mile Trial, Alpine Trial, Mille Miglia, Le Mans Classic and countless others.

As shown by the original Talbot Sales Ledgers the AV105 offered here chassis number ‘35315’ was delivered by Talbot to leading agents Pass & Joyce in June of 1933, fitted from new with a Drop Head Coupe body by James Young.

Little is known of the cars early history until passing to renowned Talbot restorer John Bland in 1953- see image on file of the car during his ownership. As shown by a Buff logbook on file the car remained with Bland for some years before passing to Andrew Hill in 1965, he in turn would sell the car onto Simon Clay in 1973.

By this point the original Drop Head Coupe body was very tired and Clay had the car restored and re-bodied as a lightweight sporting two-seater. In the style of the body that Talbot company Director Lord Ashley fitted to one of the ‘PJ’ AV105 Works rally cars during the 1930s.

‘35315’ would remain with Clay until selling the car at auction in 1985, at which point it was described as “restored to concours condition about 4 years ago” “only about 2500 miles since”.

The car was purchased by Jeremy Shepherd, who used the car sparingly, it is believed various mechanical work was carried out by him, new front brake drums being fitted, whilst parts such as new hubs and a crown wheel and pinion were purchased from renowned specialist Arthur Archer and it is believed fitted- see invoices and correspondence on file.

Sadly Mr Shepherd died in 2020 and the car was purchased from his estate by the current owner a Talbot enthusiast of many years standing.

Now only offered for sale due to a change in his plans. Having not run for some years ‘35315’ has been got running and driving for sale by our sister Talbot specialist restoration company IS Polson, but will require further re-commissioning before serious use.

This AV105 fitted with lightweight sporting coachwork would offer the new owner a very effective example of Britains best and most event eligible sporting car of the 1930s, either as a most enjoyable road car or with further improvements it would make a potentially very effective rally or racing car.

Please note this car was previously registered WDX 602A, the owner has now acquired the 1930s period correct number HUI 208 from the DVLA which will be on the car by the time of sale.