Description
Originally a Weymann fabric berline imported from France and therefore badged as Darracq to be sold new in GB, she was rebodied as a replica torpedo in alloy paneling in 1999. She is one of three survivors of this model, known in France as the Talbot TL16-18cv, the first 3 litre sixes built by Talbot (F) Now with tan leather interior, she has full weather equipment and a new 4. 2 cwp giving more relaxed cruising than original 4. 87 or 5. 1 ratios. Engine is a pushrod ohv six with a twin choke updraught Zenith carburettor giving lively performance. Since completion in 2000 she has accomplished four rallyes in France and Luxembourg from Scotland. Instantly recognised in France and warmly welcomed at the Rallyes de Grand Marques, including the Club Talbot event at Chantilly in 2010.
The odometer was set to zero in 1999, is calibrated in kilometres and at 9, 999 failed to register 10, 000 as the next reading. As a Weymann berline she was owned from 1933 to 1951 by Andy Pattison who after WW1 set up a garage business in Inverkeithing, see the photo with its petrol pump above the foot way. The mechanic in the 3 piece suit over his overalls is Jock Pattison, Andy’s brother who rebuilt the engines in the garage.
In the 1930s Andy had a contract to deliver Sunday newspapers up the East coast of what was then a church going Scotland. At 6am the papers were loaded into the back of the car at Inverkeithing station, close to the north end of the Forth Rail bridge. As told in 2002 by Colin Miller, one time Provost of Inverkeithing, who accompanied Andy on these trips, the route was up Glenfarg, crossing the Tay at Perth, and then via Errol, Carnoustie, Montrose and Stonehaven to the south side of Aberdeen. With the back window down, Colin threw out the bundles of papers at the appropriate shops. In Scotland of the 1930s Kirk attendance was near obligatory, but no self respecting Christian took his car for the trip. Returning from Aberdeen, Andy took the much straighter Strathmore road with the “clock”, according to Colin, never below a hundred. This confirms that the speedometer as supplied by Talbot at Suresnes was calibrated in kph, rather than mph.
Mileage for the round trip was approximately 240. Colin claimed that on a good day Andy could be back in Inverkeithing by noon, six hours after loading the papers at the station. Clearly Andy, whose chief interest was motorcycling and the Scottish Six Days Trial, was no respecter of the 30 limit.
The continuation brown log book issued to Andy in 1933 confirms use as a taxi during and just after the war. Subsequent history includes being abandoned on the seafront at Kirkcaldy and being rescued from behind a Clackmannan bus garage by a Kilsyth lawyer.
The current owner bought her in 1966 as a “barn find” with restoration, following a bonfire of the remains of the fabric berline, being completed in 2000, the delay being occasioned by family priorities.
The torpedo body was built by Church Green in Semley with hood and interior by David Nightingale. Mechanical work was by Chris Pyke.
Since 2000 she has had a Bill Barrott engine rebuild and a Jim Catnach rear axle rebuild. Recent work includes sale preparation by Milford Vintage Engineering and three new tyres to complete the set.
