Talbot 105 History

Introduced in 1931, the Talbot 105 featured a new 3.0-litre six with staggered valves — a Roesch stratagem that improved cylinder breathing without the complexity of twin camshafts. The result was a car rated at approximately 105 mph, exceptional for a production road car of the period.

The 105 achieved serious competition success: class wins in the Alpine Trial, strong finishes at Le Mans, and Brooklands victories. Its combination of high-revving power and composed handling made it the favourite of the Talbot works team and well-heeled private entrants alike. Coachwork ranged from stark open competition tourers to elegant closed saloons, many bodied by Vanden Plas.

The 105 is today the most collectible Roesch Talbot, with concours-quality survivors commanding significant auction prices. It represents the zenith of the marque's original British engineering identity.