Talbot Lago T150 C SS Teardrop Coupé Figoni & Falaschi 1938

The small number of Talbot Lago T150 C automobiles fitted with bodies by Figoni & Falaschi are among the most extravagant sports cars of the 1930s. The characteristic round and flowing forms were created in "teardrop" or "goute d'eau" designs combine with the racing chassis to creat a unique hybrid. This vehicle is one of the rare SS versions with shortened chassis, alloy body, larger tank and bucket seats. It was originally ordered by Duke Phillipe Di Massa to compete at Le Mans 1939 where the car battled to ninth place before retiring on the 88th lap. A 4 litre six cylinder in-line engine generating 140 HP powered the automobile. After the second World War, the car ended up in east Berlin before being exported to the USA in 1995 where the ninth owner had a professional restoration carried out to restore it to original condition.

140 bhp, 3,996 cc inline six-cylinder engine with hemispherical combustion chambers and triple Stromberg carburettors, Wilson four-speed pre-selector gearbox, independent front suspension with transverse leaf spring, leaf spring and live axle rear suspension, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,650 mm (104.33")

Figoni and Lago signed an agreement to work together exclusively, and for a time they did. The finest product of their collaboration was the landmark “Teardrop” or “goutte d’eau coupé,” with just 16 ultimately produced in two series. The first series, named “Jeancart” after the first patron of the design, was a lovely aerodynamic coupé with a slight notchback design. Five were built, with three on the T150-C SS chassis, one on the three-litre T23 chassis and one on the T150-C Lago Speciale long-wheelbase chassis. The second series, débuted at the New York Auto Show and named “Model New York” in honour of the occasion, was quite similar in concept but featured an uninterrupted fastback profile. While not all such cars were officially designated “Model New York” by Figoni, all share the same appearance and characteristics, and consequently they are usually listed together by marque experts. Here we have a so called Model New York. The car in exhibit here won its Class at the 2010 Villa d'Este Concorso Eleganza entered by Oscar Davis from U.S.A.

In 2011, one 1938 Talbot Lago T150 C SS Teardrop Coupe Figoni & Falaschi was sold for Euros 3.136.000 at Villa Erba RM Sotheby Auction Sale. In May 2017, one 1937 Talbot Lago T150 C SS Teardrop Coupe Figoni & Falaschi was sold for Euros 3.360.000 at Villa Erba RM Sotheby Auction Sale. This later model had fully enclosed front and rear fenders .

P. Damiens Source RM Sotheby 2011-2017, BMW Classic Villa d'Este.

Wallpapers : Talbot Lago T150 C SS Teardrop Coupé Figoni & Falaschi 1938