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1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Teardrop Coupe

  • Coachwork by Figoni & Falaschi
  • Chassis Number: 93064
  • Engine Number: 23294
  • Body Number: (Figoni No 685)
- Winner of the Concours d'Elegance de l'Auto in 1938
- The only four-liter T23 true Jeancart-style teardrop coupe built
- One of five Jeancart-style cars built; one of four remaining.
- Holder of a Certificate of Originality, signed by M. Claude Figoni.
- Cherished and cared for by just four owners since the late 1940s.
- Restored by French master coachbuilder Chapron.

Almost all of the T26 Grand Sport automobiles received custom coachwork from various coachbuilders. Many were used to display their artistic creations at Motor Shows, while others sat atop shortened chassis and used for sporting events.

Anthony Lago had taken over control of the Talbot factory in Suresnes after the merger with Sunbeam and Darracq had collapsed in 1936. By 1937 he had introduced a new line of vehicles, two of which were entered in the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans. He continued his racing endeavors by moving to single-seat racers and by 1939 a purpose-built Grand Prix car had been completed. The onset of World War II slowed the racing endeavors but after the war and with the assistance of Carlo Marchetti an overall win at Le Mans was achieved.

The T26 was powered by a six-cylinder, DOHC cam engine that produced nearly 200 horsepower. The drum brakes on all four corners provided ample stopping power while the live-axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs rear suspension provided the necessary support needed in the corners at speed.

The Talbot-Lago T26 models were exquisite creations outfitted with coachwork provided by some of the world's greatest coachbuilders. Never produced in large numbers, these T26 models are extremely rare and exclusive by today's standards.

Giuseppe Figoni was a brilliant artist who worked with metal to produce some of the most unique and flowing coach-bodies of all time. His designs amplified his hatred of the wind; the force that caused drag and crippled the car's power. His creations often centered around this hatred, evident by the streamlined designs, flush door handles, steeply raked windshield, sloping fastback, and enclosures for wheels and tires. The elegance of the Figoni et Falaschi designed vehicles are sensual and their curvy creations are regarded as art. Ovidio Falaschi provided the working capital and business expertise, while Joseph Figoni created the sophisticated three-dimensional design concepts.

Chassis 93064, like all of the Teardrops, is unique and built specifically for its original owner. Unlike all of the other Teardrops, it was outfitted with a four-liter T23 chassis and sat atop a 2.95 m chassis. It was longer and had a wider track than most Teardrops, but in comparison to other coach-built vehicles at the time, it was shorter and retained its sporty appeal. The longer tail compliments the hood and creates a surreal balance, while the wider track gives it excellent balance while driving through corners at speed.

Chassis 93064 has Figoni production number 685, which can be found stamped throughout the car. The original owner is unknown but it was ordered in metallic blue with a red leather interior. It was built by Figoni et Falaschi and given Style 9221 Model Jeancart coachwork. Delivered to a French resident on February 21, 1938, it was registered with plate number 199ADY75.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2007

2012 RM Auctions - Monterey

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $2,500,000-USD $3,500,000 
Sale Price :
USD $2,640,000

2010 RM Auctions - Automobiles of London

Pre-Auction Estimates :
£1,100,000-£1,400,000 
Sale Price :
USD $2,836,378 (£ 1,792,000.00)

2006 RM Auctions at Amelia Island

Sale Price :
USD $2,145,000

1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Talbot-Lago T23

(Data based on Model Year 1938 sales)
1938 Talbot Lago T23 Major Cabriolet
Chassis#: 89907
Sold for USD$144,817
  2022 Artcurial : Retromobile
 
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Cabriolet
Chassis#: 93408
Sold for USD$250,000
  2020 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island Auction
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1938 Talbot Lago T23 'Baby' 4.0-Litre Cabriolet
Chassis#: 93035
Sold for USD$215,289
  2019 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
 
1938 TALBOT T23 4.0-LITER CABRIOLET
Chassis#: 93123
Sold for USD$517,000
  2016 Bonhams : Quail Lodge
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1938 Talbot-Lago T-23 Sport Cabriolet
Sold for USD$660,000
  2014 Worldwide Auctions - Auburn
 
1938 Talbot-Lago T-23 Sport Cabriolet
Chassis#: 93017
Sold for USD$660,000
  2014 The 7th Annual Auburn Auction
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Teardrop Coupe
Chassis#: 93064
Sold for USD$2,640,000
  2012 RM Auctions - Monterey
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Teardrop Coupé
Chassis#: 93064
Sold for USD$2,836,378
  2010 RM Auctions - Automobiles of London
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1938 Talbot-Darracq T23 Drop Head Coupe
Chassis#: 93122
Sold for USD$649,000
  2010 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Cabriolet
Chassis#: 93465
Sold for USD$226,996
  2007 RM Auctions - Automobiles of London
 
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Cabriolet
Sold for USD$209,000
  2006 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Teardrop Coupe
Chassis#: 93064
Sold for USD$2,145,000
  2006 RM Auctions at Amelia Island
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 4.0-Litre Cabriolet
Chassis#: 93001
Sold for USD$152,784
  2005 Bonhams - Important Sports and Competition Motor Cars & Fine Automobilia
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 image  

Talbot-Lago T23s That Failed To Sell At Auction

1938 Talbot-Lago T23's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Baby Coach Grand Luxe930562020 Artcurial : Retromobile $140,000$200,000
1938 Talbot-Lago T-23 Sport Cabriolet930172017 Worldwide Auctioneers : Scottsdale, AZ $550,000$750,000
1938 Talbot-Lago T-23 Sport Cabriolet934082016 Dragone Auction Greenwich Weekend Auction $750,000$850,000
1938 TALBOT LAGO T 23 MAJOR CABRIOLET 2011 Rétromobile   

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1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle thumbnail image  1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle thumbnail image  

1938 Talbot-Lago T23

Additional valuation insight and sales data
History
Specifications
Image gallery
Other Talbot-Lago T23 model years

1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Vehicle Profiles

1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle information
Cabriolet
Designer: Figoni
Chassis #: 93408
Engine #: 23544
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle information
Cabriolet
Coachwork: Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis #: 93017
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle information
Cabriolet
Coachwork: Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis #: 93123
Engine #: 23356
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle information
Faux Cabriolet
Coachwork: Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis #: 93043
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle information
Drophead Coupe
Coachwork: Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis #: 93122
Engine #: 23343
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle information
Teardrop Coupe
Coachwork: Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis #: 93064
Engine #: 23294
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle information
Cabriolet
Coachwork: Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis #: 93001
Engine #: 23152
1938 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle information
Coupe
Designer: Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis #: 93041

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.