Talbot AO 75 Darracq Saloon FV1414 affectionally known as ‘Albert’
Albert was erected 23 / 09/ 1930 and first registered 05 / 11/ 1930. Six cylinders of 69.5 mm × 100 mm giving 2276 cc and 65 bhp at 4,500 rpm are installed in a 10 foot wheelbase chassis weighing about 28.5 cwt. It is difficult to believe, but this engine with higher compression ratio was installed in a 9’ 3” version of the chassis, clothed in a light weight 4 seater tourer body and entered at Le Mans in 1930. The two cars finished 3rd and 4th, being beaten by two Bentleys of nearly three times their capacity.
Albert is highly original, with his original engine, gearbox, drive train, chassis and body. Only one other example is known in this country. His history before 1937 is unknown. In 1937 he was bought by Wilfred Hyde from a garage called Ellis and Booths at Darton. After the war he was taxed from 1946 up 1964 and then laid up. In 1976 he was bought by John Naylor after being found in a derelict garage near Doncaster. Only after John had bought the car did he realise that it was the same car he remembered as a child, parked in a neighbour’s driveway.
John restored Albert over the next 16 years and Albert gained an MOT in 1991. John used Albert regularly from 1991 to 2004 when he was bought by the present owner.
The present owner has done a lot of work on the car, completely refurbishing the interior and replacing non original parts. In 2014 a major engine rebuild was required and the decision was made to uprate the engine with a higher compression ratio and later camshaft. As a result Albert can now cruise comfortably at 60 mph and makes a ideal vintage touring car with large sunroof, picnic tables and footrests.
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