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Catalog / Talbot

Talbot: The Rise and Fall of a Legendary Car Manufacturer

Talbot, a name that resonates with automotive enthusiasts, has a rich and complex history spanning over a century. Founded in 1903 by Charles Chetwynd-Talbot, 20th Earl of Shrewsbury, and Adolphe Clément-Bayard, Talbot quickly established itself as a producer of prestigious automobiles in the early 20th century.

The brand's early years were marked by innovation and success. In 1913, Percy Lambert drove a Talbot to become the first person to cover 100 miles in an hour. This feat cemented Talbot's reputation for performance and reliability. During the 1920s and 1930s, Talbot cars were renowned for their elegance and sporting prowess, competing successfully in various races including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

In 1935, Talbot merged with Sunbeam and Darracq to form Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq (STD), but financial difficulties led to the company's acquisition by the Rootes Group in 1935. Under Rootes, Talbot continued to produce successful models, including the Talbot Lago Grand Sport, which won the 1950 Le Mans 24 Hours race.

The 1960s saw a decline in Talbot's fortunes, and the brand was discontinued in 1960. However, it was revived by Chrysler Europe in 1978 after acquiring the Rootes Group. Under Chrysler, and later Peugeot (which bought Chrysler Europe in 1979), Talbot experienced a brief renaissance. The Talbot Horizon was even named European Car of the Year in 1979.

Notable models from this era included the Talbot Samba, a small city car, and the Talbot Tagora, a large executive saloon. The Talbot Lotus Sunbeam, a high-performance version of the Sunbeam hatchback, achieved success in rallying, winning the World Rally Championship manufacturers' title in 1981.

Despite these successes, Peugeot decided to phase out the Talbot name in the mid-1980s. The last passenger car to bear the Talbot badge was the Samba, which ceased production in 1986. The Talbot Express van continued until 1992, marking the final end of this storied marque.

Today, Talbot cars are prized by collectors and enthusiasts, serving as a reminder of a brand that, despite its tumultuous history, made significant contributions to automotive design and motorsport.

Models Talbot:

Horizon
Horizon
Matra Murena
Matra Murena
Samba
Samba

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As Talbot ceased production in the 1990s, all Talbot cars available today are considered classic or vintage vehicles. The cost of a Talbot car can vary significantly based on several factors:

  • Model and year of manufacture
  • Condition and originality
  • Rarity and historical significance
  • Restoration quality (if applicable)

On average, prices for Talbot cars can range from about €5,000 for project cars or less desirable models in poor condition, up to €500,000 or more for rare, historically significant models in excellent condition.

For example, a 1980s Talbot Samba in good condition might be priced around €8,000 to €15,000. A well-maintained Talbot Horizon from the same era could fetch between €5,000 and €12,000. On the higher end, a restored Talbot-Lago T150C SS from the late 1930s could command prices well over €1,000,000 at auction.

The most affordable Talbot models are typically from the brand's later years under Chrysler and Peugeot ownership. The Talbot Samba, produced from 1981 to 1986, is often one of the least expensive Talbot models available.

Prices for a Talbot Samba can start as low as €2,000 for a vehicle in need of restoration. However, for a driveable example in fair condition, prices typically start around €4,000 to €5,000.

The final price can depend on several factors:

  • Mechanical condition: A car with a recently serviced engine and transmission will command a higher price.
  • Body condition: Vehicles free from rust and with original paint tend to be more valuable.
  • Mileage: Lower mileage examples are generally more expensive.
  • Originality: Cars with original parts and documentation are typically pricier.
  • Special editions: Certain versions, like the sporty Samba Rallye, can be more expensive.

It's worth noting that while these may be the cheapest to purchase, ongoing maintenance and potential restoration costs should be considered when budgeting for a classic Talbot.

The most expensive Talbot cars are typically rare, pre-war models or significant racing cars from the brand's golden era. The Talbot-Lago T150C SS 'Goutte d'Eau' (Teardrop) is often considered one of the most valuable Talbots, with prices potentially exceeding €10,000,000 at high-profile auctions.

The exact price can vary dramatically based on several factors:

  • Rarity: Only a handful of certain models were produced, significantly increasing their value.
  • Historical significance: Cars with important racing history or notable previous owners command premium prices.
  • Condition and originality: Vehicles in original condition or with expert restorations are the most valuable.
  • Provenance: Well-documented history and ownership can greatly increase a car's value.

Other factors that can influence the price of these high-end Talbots include:

  • Coachwork: Custom bodywork by renowned designers can significantly increase value.
  • Completeness: Cars with all original parts, including rare or hard-to-find components, are more valuable.
  • Concours history: Vehicles with success at prestigious shows like Pebble Beach can command higher prices.
  • Market trends: The classic car market can fluctuate, affecting prices of premium vehicles.

While the T150C SS 'Teardrop' represents the peak of Talbot values, other models like the Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport and Talbot AV105 can also command prices in the millions of euros, depending on their specific history and condition.