Tourer
Chassis number: 25065

Georges Henri Roesch became chief engineer of Clement Talbot, Ltd., of London in 1916. Born in Switzerland, he was originally an importer of French Clément-Bayard automobiles and, from 1906, was a builder of British Talbot cars. Additionally, he had experience with Grégoire, Delaunay Belleville, Renault, and Daimler.

In the post-Great War era, Roesch began designing a new range of cars, which later came to fruition after the formation of Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq combined in 1920.

Roesch's 14/45 model was a masterpiece and helped Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq Motors, Ltd. survive a difficult period of time. During this production lifespan, over 11,000 examples were built. It was in production from 1926 through 1932 and came powered by a six-cylinder, high-revving engine. The 1,665cc engine offered 41 horsepower and could rev to an unusually high 4,500 RPM. The gearbox was lubricated by warm engine oil and an oil-pressure warning light was installed in place of the standard gauge.

This particular Type AG 14/45 Tourer was delivered new to Maude's Motor Mart of Exeter, UK. It was ordered on 19 February 1929, invoiced the next day, and delivered the following week on 27 February. In the care of previous ownership, this Tourer was restored over an extended timeframe from the 1970s until 1996. Its original registration number, RL 9317, a 1929 Cornwall issue, remains with the car.

This Tourer has five-seat open coachwork from Darracq Motor Engineering Co., which had been Alexandre Darracq's aeronautical company during the Great War years. It is finished in deep blue with black fenders. There is dark blue leather upholstery, a black top, side curtains, a matching tonneau cover, and nickel-plated brightwork. Period features include rear directional signals, a fishtail exhaust outlet, and springs with leather gaiters. A wooden dash is dotted with period instruments from Smiths and Jaeger.

by Dan Vaughan