09/02/2010
1934 Talbot AX 65
Let us transport you back to the elegant days of the 1930s with this glorious Talbot AX65. The work of course of the supremely gifted Swiss designer Georges Roesch, the 65 was one of the last of the real Talbots, evolving from the successful 14/45 in 1932 and continuing until the take over by the Rootes brothers in 1935. It is a rare car, with total production of just 1298 in various forms.
SX 3687 is a West Lothian registration and the buff log book shows the car still in Scotland in 1974, with an MOT certificate for that year also, while the V5 records an owner in Paisley until 1993. There is some evidence that it was used as a taxi in Edinburgh as the classication is changed from Hackney Carriage to Private on the log book! By 1993 it was a basket case needing total restoration, the original 1665cc straight six having apparently been replaced by a 1500 BMC unit.
The restoration took many years and is extensively documented with over 175 photographs and many invoices, parts alone totalling over £5000. A replacement engine was sourced and completely rebuilt.
Structurally and mechanically the car is still in fine order, with an MOT to the end of October 2010. The engine is whisper quiet and it is superb to drive, with relaxed 50 mph cruising. It was driven to Wiltshire from Sussex and is quite capable of coping with modern traffic. The coachwork and paint is still very smart and the large sun roof is a nice feature. The front bumper would benefit from rechroming. The main issue with the car is the upholstery. As much of the original was retained as possible, although the driver's and rear seat squabs were recovered. There has since been further deterioration and some repairs are now needed. As a staunch preservationist I would hope that as much as possible could be saved but the new owner may decide to go for a full re-trim.
Check our website for further details: http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk
Car For Sale Offered By Nadder Valley Classics
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