According to factory records 4CT Chassis no.3567 was ordered on 22nd November 1911 via Tozer Kelmsley and Fisher Ltd (Talbot’s export and shipping agents) for Kellow Motor Co in Melbourne. It was erected as a chassis by the factory on 10th June 1912 and was sent to the coachbuilders “Pere et Fils” for a Torpedo body to be fitted. It was then completed and delivered for shipment on 25th July 1912. Its early life in Australia is not known.
The survival of ‘3567’ is down to one man. Gordon Taylor was an Englishman who had emigrated to Australia after the end of World War 1. He took a job working as an expert in side-valve Talbots for Kellow Motor Co in Melbourne. Kellow was one of the more prestigious agents in Melbourne and as well as being agents for Rolls Royce, Napier and Humber they were appointed by Clement Talbot Limited as Talbot agents.
Although Gordon Taylor was initially employed by Kellow he went on to open his own garage business. Whether through his own business or via his contacts at Kellow it seems that he kept in touch with many of the early Talbots Kellow had supplied. As the cars got older and were traded in or taken off the road Gordon Taylor decided to stop them all being scrapped. He acquired a disused former Masonic Hall and used this cheap storage to hold what became a significant collection of Edwardian Talbots. Gordon Taylor’s enthusiasm also meant he used a 4CY model as his daily transport along with ‘3567’. The body on ‘3567’ was modified to produce a small pick-up which Gordon used around suburban Melbourne. When he died sometime in the 1950s or 1960s his collection passed to his sons.
Eventually the Masonic Hall had to be sold off and along with it the collection of Talbots. This sale was responsible as the source for many of the Edwardian Talbots that survive around the world. As one of his personal cars ‘3567’ was retained by the family a little longer until his sons also died and the personal family cars were also sold off.
‘3567’ was bought by Dick Parrot of Shepreth and brought back to the UK as a complete and unmolested running chassis. The non-original pick up body was poorly fitted and not suitable for restoration. ‘3567’ was purchased by I S Polson in 8th October 2000 with the idea of preserving and using the very original, low mileage chassis which retained all of its nice period features and fittings. It was decided to re-body it appropriately.
The current owner bought ‘3567’ from I.S. Polson in December 2003.
Restoration
Jarvis Coachbuilders were commissioned to produce a body that was lightweight and faithful to all the available contemporary photographs of the Competition models that the factory used to great success between 1912 and 1914. The wing details were taken from the sister 12hp cars Campbell also used so successfully in the early 1920s.
The mechanical aspects were entrusted to our sister restoration business Talbot specialists I.S. Polson. The chassis and running gear were comprehensively overhauled, see invoices on file illustrating the meticulous, no expense spared attitude that was taken by the owner to getting this car absolutely right in every respect..
The engine was completely rebuilt and balanced. In order to provide the performance of the Competition models, new pistons were made to raise compression, a new camshaft and valve gear designed to achieve the higher valve lift that Talbot had used and new rods made to ensure the engine could rev safely. A larger inlet manifold and larger 36mm competition Zenith carburettor fitted. As such the engine has proved remarkably strong, torquey and powerful for an engine of this type, frequently being revved to over 3000 rpm with no ill effects.
Recent use
Following its restoration ‘3567’ has been successfully used in sprints and hill climbs and has proved to be a match for larger engined but less efficient Edwardians, frequently being placed in its class. It has competed in VSCC’s Edwardian races and proved to be both quick and reliable proving to be the second fastest non aeroplane engined finisher in the last race it competed in. It is also worth noting that there is scope for further development, since as Talbot did in period it could be fitted with a long-stroke crankshaft which would increase the engine size to 3-litres and of course give a useful increase in power and torque.
Only offered for sale because the owner is embarking on another project ‘3567’ is a pleasure to drive whether on the road or in competition and indeed would make an ideal entry for the Pioneer class of road rally events such as the Flying Scotsman, being able to cruise at 60mph. It has been admired for its restoration and condition wherever displayed, receiving for instance the prestigious “Silver Con Rod” trophy for its condition and preparation at its first appearance at VSCC Prescott.
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