In the second half of the 1930s, a Mr Stern owned a rather dashing Talbot Darracq. He was in the motor trade in the 1930s and, typically for someone in the business, he hung on to cars that took his fancy and used them for his family transport. It was probably about 5 or 6 years old when he bought it, having been built in 1930. His son really liked this car and has pictures of himself aged about 8 with it. It was sold in 1941 and nothing more was heard of it for 60 years. When the former 8 year old saw it was for sale, prompted by his happy memories of the car, he eagerly went to see it, but to his disappointment it was in such a dreadful condition that he walked away. In 2018 it was listed in a Bonham’s auction. Mr Stern’s grandson, who lives in the U.S.A., tried to bid for it, but due to communication glitches the auction had ended before he could make a bid. However, the car had not reached its reserve and was unsold, and some telephone negotiations secured the car. Some work had been done since 2001, but it was still incomplete with many parts in boxes. All this happened at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, so the new owner was able to stave off the boredom of the lockdowns and use his engineering skills and ingenuity to complete the restoration, with the help of Tim Walker Restorations.
The former 8 year old, now in his 90s, made many parts himself, using his newly acquired skills with his 3D printer to make patterns which were sent off to be reproduced in metal. Although the car has passed its MOT and is usable, much work still needs to be done - it still has no hood for instance. It has not been restored to original condition or to win prizes; it has been restored for the joy of driving the car. The restorer remembers his father driving him around in it as a boy, and is able to pass it on to his children and grandchildren as a piece of living family history.
Our awards panel was very drawn to the family story attached to the car and the enterprise and ambition of starting a restoration project within sight of one’s centenary.
