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Ultra-rare 90-year-old classic Talbot car set to sell for over $35,000

"It is now the only surviving example of this particular body and it’s in excellent condition."

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The Talbot 14/45 AQ Scout. (G Higginbotham / Hansons via SWNS)

By Sophie Watson via SWNS

An "ultra-rare" 90-year-old classic Talbot car which was found rusting in a garage is set to fetch up to £30,000 ($35,101) at auction.

The Talbot 14/45 AQ Scout was such a popular design it saved the company from financial collapse.

The half-paneled Weymann saloon with black and cream body decked out with brown leather seats was one of only 493 made in the 1930s.

It was found rusting in a garage in 1985 but classic car restorer Noel Bagshaw spent a decade lovingly returning it to its former glory.

Despite being nearly 100 years old, the motor has clocked up a modest 21,000 miles and has a top speed of 65mph.

The current owner, Gordon Higginbotham, from Derby, is now selling the car which is expected to fetch between £25,000 and £30,000 ($29,251- $35,101)

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“My 1930 Talbot AQ 14/45 Scout model, registration GN 524, is a half-paneled Weymann saloon with a black and cream body color and brown leather interior," said Gordon, 84, who worked Rolls-Royce for 34 years.

“It is now the only surviving example of this particular body and it’s in excellent condition.

“I bought it in 2013 from respected car restorer Noel Bagshaw. He acquired the car in a very tired state in 1985.

“Over the next 10 years Noel and his business associate Bill Barrott carried out a complete nut-and-bolt, ground-up professional restoration.

“They retained standard specification on the Talbot except for an improved camshaft, close ratio gearbox, modern full-flow oil filter and clutch.

“The car has been in constant use since then and has 21,000 miles on the clock.

“It has performed well for me. I’ve made minor modifications to improve drivability, which can all be reversed.

“I fitted a fully concealed electronic ignition system which provides excellent performance.

“It will cruise all day at 50-55mph and has a maximum speed of 65mph.

“A water pump and thermostatic control system have also been fitted to give controlled temperature in all weathers including heatwaves.

“In Noel’s ownership it won many trophies and I’ve occasionally shown the car myself.”

In 2014 it won the Grammar Trophy Pride of Ownership award at a Sunbeam, Talbot, Darraq (STD) Register rally.

It was also named Best Turned Out Talbot 14/15 at an STD national rally in 2016 as well as multiple vintage car awards.

A total of 1,002 Talbot 14/45 Scouts were made in the 1920s and 1930s, including just 493 AQ models.

The original Talbot Factory Ledger records the build details for the car which still has its original registration plate, GN 524.

It went on to have six owners, all in the Liverpool area, from 1939 until it was rescued by Noel Bagshaw in 1985.

It was the brainchild of Swiss-born automative engineer George Roesch who was tasked with masterminding a motor to drive them back to success.

The challenge was to provide the refinement of a Rolls-Royce 20 hp at an affordable price.

The success of the car was widely viewed as the key reason for Talbot Motors success.

The Talbot will go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers on Friday, September 16.

“This ultra-rare Talbot is the epitome of classic car elegance, an investment piece and a remarkable piece of motoring history," said Steve Fulford, valuer at Hansons Auctioneers.

“It demonstrates George Roesch’s genius in the early days of car design.

“It’s been painstakingly restored to its former glory, which means all its new owner has to do is enjoy it – and turn heads on a summer’s day.”

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