Talbot's Saviour

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For a few manufacturers, the 1920s marked a coming-of-age period, but countless more would face their demise. As Austin opened the floodgates of motoring to thousands more people with the thriftily-priced Seven and Morris discovered the miracle of Pressed Steel, those that fell behind or misread the mood of the market were soon consigned to the history books.

So, might Talbot’s fate have been if it had stuck to making acceptable but unimpressive light cars that failed to distinguish themselves from their competitors. With STD Motors’s finances ravaged by Louis Coatalen’s Sunbeam racing programme, Talbot came within a hair’s breadth of failure until being revived by Georges Roesch and the engineering brilliance he applied to the 14/45.

The late 1920s was not a good time to be adopting a policy, as Talbot was, to persevere with traditionalism in coachbuilding, now that individuality and craftsmanship were falling victim to progress and remained appreciated only by an ever-decreasing number of wealthy, discerning buyers. For the Talbot to survive, it had to be exceptionally good, and it was. Roesch’s ohv, 1665cc six was a strong engine, resting on a sturdy chassis; well-appointed bodywork completed the picture, and all for a very reasonable price.

Zack Stiling inspects a handsome 14/45Weymann Sunshine Coupé in the May issue of The Automobile, on sale now.

Words and photographs by Zack Stiling.

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