Talbot Type T4 "Minor"
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1922 |
| Founder | Tony Lago |
| Fate | Production redirected to wartime manufacturing in 1940 |
| Headquarters | Suresnes , France |
| Products | Automobiles (including Talbot Minor Type T4) |
The Talbot "Minor" Type T4—known internationally as the Talbot-Lago "Minor" Type T4—was a mid-range executive automobile manufactured by the French firm Talbot between 1937 and 1940.
Although its engine size would have classified it as a "Talbot 13CV," this designation was seldom used, probably due to cultural aversion to the number "13."
Background
After the 1935 insolvency and dissolution of the Anglo-French Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq conglomerate, entrepreneur Tony Lago took control of the French operations. Originally from Venice, Lago brought considerable experience from the British automotive sector during the 1920s. The company operated under the name "Automobiles Talbot-Darracq S.A.," though English-speaking markets referred to it as "Talbot-Lago." Within France, vehicles bore the Talbot badge alone, continuing a practice established in 1922 when the "-Darracq" suffix was removed.
Initially, the company produced models designed before the bankruptcy, but Lago soon concentrated on lightweight, sporty six-cylinder vehicles including the Talbot Baby, the more touring-focused Talbot Major, and the smaller Talbot Cadette. This lineup was complemented by racing cars and an active motorsport program. The styling was overseen by Italian expatriate Walter Becchia, who later joined Citroën in 1939 and played a key role in developing the Citroën 2CV.
Launch
The debut of the four-cylinder Talbot "Minor" Type T4 at the Paris Motor Show in October 1937 represented a deliberate move by Talbot to broaden its market reach. This model enabled Talbot to compete in a lower market segment alongside rivals such as the Hotchkiss Type 864 and the Salmson S4.
Chassis
The Minor utilized the chassis originally designed for the Talbot Baby sports saloon. Beccia created a new four-door steel body that echoed the style of the larger six-cylinder Talbot Cadette and Major models. For customers preferring customization, the Minor was also offered as a bare chassis. Right-hand drive configuration adhered to an older European standard, which was becoming less common in countries driving on the right side. The front suspension featured independent movement with a transverse leaf spring, while the rear employed a rigid axle supported by longitudinal leaf springs.
Engine
Powered by a four-cylinder 2323 cc engine, this model fell within the 13 CV tax category. The powertrain included overhead valves and a single Stromberg 22 carburetor, producing an advertised output of 62 hp at 4,000 rpm.
Commercial
At its introduction, the Minor was priced at 42,500 Francs for the standard steel-bodied version and 35,000 Francs for just the chassis. Its competitor, the Hotchkiss Type 864 "Cabourg," was offered at slightly lower prices—39,900 Francs for the complete car and 29,500 Francs for chassis only—but delivered somewhat greater power at 68 hp. Neither vehicle aimed for mass-market sales volumes.
Manufacture of the Talbot Minor extended into the early months of World War II. Even after November 1939, Talbot continued supplying vehicles to serve as staff cars for the French military. However, by early 1940, production at the Suresnes facility was fully redirected to support wartime manufacturing efforts.