Talbot 110 Three Position DHC by James Young

If you have a couple of hours to spare, I can highly recommend the book "Georges Roesch and the Invincible Talbot", by Anthony Blight. In a little less than 500 pages, you discover the fascinating history of these cars with a reputation for innovative and sophisticated engineering, reliability, and smooth silent engines. The BG 3½ litre is the ultimate development of Georges Roesch's Talbot 110. With its 120 bhp, a stripped down 110 racer reaches 110 mph (177 km/h), whereas the heavier road going version tops at 87 mph (140 km/h). Its Wilson preselector gearbox makes it a very satisfying driving experience. Only 89 examples of the BG 3½ litre were built. This particular one, with chassis number 4532, is thought to be the only James Young Three Position Drophead Coupe on a BG chassis, which truly makes it a unique car. It was briefly owned by Anthony Blight. From the man who wrote Roesch's biography, you would expect nothing but love for this splendid automobile. But strangely enough, Anthony Blight found the car ugly, and he was annoyed by the fact that he couldn't turn it around in his small street. The truth is that he had merely bought the car for its engine, which he used to build a replica 110 racer¦ As a result, the car now has engine number BA110.1, a correct Talbot 110 engine and the very first one produced. The last Belgian owner initially became 30 years ago one of the first customers of my classic car garage and over the years also a very good friend. Because he bought this Talbot in 1984 at the Beaulieu autojumble and immediately started a full, very meticulous restoration of it, I know this Talbot quite well, because over the years she was the subject of many of our classic car conversations. Rarely do we get such a complete file with a car: original V5C and log book, over 300 restoration pictures, invoices going back as far as 1968, several workshop manuals on the 6 cylinder engine and on the Wilson preselector gearbox, and much more. The beige leather, the blue carpets and the fine interior wood blend together very harmoniously and give the right impression of sumptuous luxury to this interesting pre-war grand tourer. But don't get fooled by its distinguished looks: the 3½ litre engine that's hiding under the bonnet will give you the impression of... invincibility!