In 1919, Darracq took over English Talbot and the resulting company merged in 1920 with Sunbeam to form the Sunbeam Talbot Darracq group which quickly came under the strong influence of the personality and ideas of Sunbeam's Breton director, Louis Coatalen. From 1920 Suresnes built cars were officially known as Talbot-Darracq up to late 1921, when with the introduction of the Louis Coatalen inspired 1½ litre ohv Type DB, the Suresnes built cars were renamed as Talbot in France. They were still badged as Darracq when imported into Britain. Owen Clegg's Type A was consigned to oblivion in 1922. Using the design work of Vincenzo Bertarione and Walter Becchia, who had been poached from Fiat by Louis Coatalen, Suresnes built the fabulously successful series of 1½ litre 2ohc “voiturette” racing cars, variously badged as Darracq or Talbot-Darracq or Talbot, from 1921 to 1927 with numerous class, and sometimes overall, victories at Brooklands and on the continent.

This 1922 car is a DB 1.5 litre example, often given various names such as “Transformable”, “Cabriolet” or “Saloon” and came with two doors, folding front seats that gave access to the spacious rear seats. This example includes wooden spoked wheels, brass brightwork, new correct age-related pattern tyres, black leather interior and four side glass panels with friction systems. The engine has been extensively restored by JC Engineering and a new camshaft, tappets and pushrods made to pattern by Cox and Turner Engineering and QPrep Engineering of Oundle, Northamptonshire. Copies of the invoices showing the substantial expenditure incurred are included. Unusually for Talbot, this car has the V-shaped windscreen. The body is original and has a high quality paint job. The instruments and controls are original and reported by the vendor to be in good working order as is there rest of the car. Rarely available to purchase, this wonderful example is ready to be enjoyed. Consigned by Will Penrose

Lot details
Year: 1922
Make: Talbot
Model: Darracq 12hp
Registration: ER 142
Chassis No: 1711/39488
Engine No: 47710
Odometer: 27,062

* Rare V-shaped windscreen example
* Extensive restoration
* Retains its original number plate 'ER 142'