1905 Clément-Talbot 12/16 HP CT4VB Brougham
- Engine
- 2.7L four-cylinder, 85mm bore, mechanical inlet valves, magneto ignition
- Colour
- Royal Blue with red and gold coachline
A rare surviving 1904 Clément-Talbot CT4VB, bodied as a brougham and finished in Royal Blue with red and gold coachlines, this car represents one of the more technically advanced automobiles of its era, featuring mechanical inlet valves, magneto ignition, and a four-speed transmission. Officially dated by the Veteran Car Club in 2003, it spent decades in the care of noted British enthusiast Michael Banfield and has participated in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on multiple occasions.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold £207,000 (≈ $259K)
- → 2017InheritanceSusan Banfieldpartial documentation
Came into possession following Michael Banfield's death; entered the car in the London to Brighton run during her period of custodianship.
- 2017 →Private saleCurrent vendorpartial documentation
Purchased from the Banfield family and has maintained the existing restoration to a high standard, participating in multiple London to Brighton runs since acquisition.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownMichael Banfieldpartial documentation
Acquired from extended storage in a carriage house, with photographic evidence of the car's condition at that time. During his tenure the vehicle received its current restoration including distinctive livery, and was officially dated as a 1904 model by the Veteran Car Club in 2003.
Competition
- 2016London to Brighton Veteran Car RunLondon to Brighton Veteran Car Run 2016
Reportedly the car's first-ever entry in this event; driven while in the care of Susan Banfield.
- 2017London to Brighton Veteran Car RunLondon to Brighton Veteran Car Run 2017completed successfully
First participation under the current owner's stewardship.
- 2018London to Brighton Veteran Car RunLondon to Brighton Veteran Car Run 2018completed successfully
- 2021London to Brighton Veteran Car RunLondon to Brighton Veteran Car Run 2021completed successfully
- 2024London to Brighton Veteran Car RunLondon to Brighton Veteran Car Run 2024completed successfully
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
The car was restored at some point during Michael Banfield's ownership, resulting in the Royal Blue livery with red and gold coachlines, black leather driver's compartment, Bedford cord rear interior, and the fitting of Ducellier brass headlamps and cowl lamps that are visible today.
Photograph on file shows the car largely intact but partially dismantled in carriage-house storage prior to restoration.
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