Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Talbot

The Talbot car company has a long and complex history spanning both Britain and France. Known for producing stylish, high-quality vehicles and participating in early motorsport, Talbot changed hands and identities several times throughout the 20th century. Despite periods of dormancy, the Talbot name remains a significant part of European automotive heritage.

Origins of Talbot (1903–1914)

The story of Talbot began in 1903 when Englishman Charles Chetwynd-Talbot, 20th Earl of Shrewsbury, partnered with French automaker Clément-Bayard to produce cars in Britain under the name Clément-Talbot.

First Factory and Cars

A factory was established in North Kensington, London. Early Talbot cars used French components but were assembled and marketed in the UK. Over time, they became more independent in design and engineering.

World War I and Split Identities

During and after World War I, the British and French Talbot operations diverged. The British arm became part of the Darracq-Talbot group, later forming part of the Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq (STD) combine.

STD Motors (1920–1935)

The STD group was a significant force in the interwar period, comprising Sunbeam (UK), Talbot (UK and France), and Darracq (France). The group was renowned for engineering excellence and motorsport success.

Motorsport Achievements

• Talbot-Darracq competed in Grand Prix racing in the 1920s.
• Talbot-Lago cars (French-built) became famous for their performance and elegance.
• The UK-built Talbot 105 earned a legendary reputation in racing and rallying.

The Decline and Split (1930s)

The Great Depression affected the STD group severely. The combine collapsed in 1935. Rootes Group purchased the British Talbot operations, while French businessman Antonio Lago acquired the French side.

Talbot in Britain (Under Rootes)

Rootes absorbed Talbot into its structure, combining it with Hillman and Humber. The Talbot name was retained briefly, used on mid-range saloons like the Sunbeam-Talbot 90 before being dropped in the 1950s.

Talbot-Lago in France

Under Lago, Talbot-Lago produced some of the most beautiful and powerful luxury cars in France during the 1930s and 1940s, including:

• Talbot-Lago T150 SS – A streamlined Art Deco masterpiece with coachbuilt bodies by Figoni et Falaschi.
• Talbot-Lago Record and T26 – High-performance tourers and racing cars.

Post-War Challenges and End of Talbot-Lago

After World War II, Talbot-Lago resumed production but struggled due to high taxes, limited demand, and competition. The cars were expensive and bespoke in a market that was shifting toward affordability and mass production.

Formula One Participation

Talbot-Lago competed in Formula One in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Although not victorious, they earned respect for independent engineering and bold design.

Acquisition by Simca

In 1958, the Talbot brand in France was acquired by Simca, which itself became part of Chrysler Europe in the 1960s. The Talbot name disappeared temporarily as Chrysler absorbed the company.

The PSA Revival (1978–1994)

In 1978, PSA Peugeot-Citroën purchased Chrysler Europe and revived the Talbot name for a new line of vehicles based on Chrysler and Simca designs.

Talbot Models under PSA

• Talbot Horizon – A popular hatchback that had success in Europe and North America (as the Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon).
• Talbot Solara – A saloon version of the Alpine/Simca 1307, aimed at the mid-size market.
• Talbot Samba – A supermini based on the Peugeot 104 platform, targeting the budget market.
• Talbot Tagora – An executive car that failed to gain traction due to brand confusion and competition.

Motorsport Revival

In the early 1980s, Talbot returned to motorsport. The Talbot Sunbeam Lotus was developed in partnership with Lotus and became a rally legend, winning the 1981 World Rally Championship for manufacturers.

End of the Talbot Brand

By the mid-1980s, Talbot sales declined sharply. PSA phased out the brand in favor of Peugeot and Citroën. Production of Talbot-branded passenger cars ended by 1986. The final use of the name was for Talbot Express vans (based on Fiat/Peugeot vans), which continued until 1994.

Legacy of Talbot

Talbot’s legacy is multi-faceted — from Edwardian luxury to Grand Prix glory, from French art deco masterpieces to British rally legends. The name represents over 80 years of innovation, performance, and style across two countries.

Collectors and Clubs

Enthusiasts around the world preserve and celebrate Talbot vehicles. Pre-war Talbot-Lagos are especially prized for their design and rarity, while Talbot Sunbeam Lotus models are sought after by rally fans.

Talbot in Retrospect

Though the brand has not returned to production, PSA has retained rights to the name, occasionally sparking rumors of revival. Today, Talbot stands as a symbol of craftsmanship, motorsport passion, and European automotive heritage.

Conclusion

The Talbot car company, with its Anglo-French roots, experienced multiple rises and falls. Whether as a purveyor of refined luxury cars or a producer of championship-winning rally machines, Talbot played a vital role in European automotive history. Its story is one of reinvention, resilience, and remarkable engineering across the ages.