1938 Talbot-Lago T150C LWB Teardrop Coupe

This coupe exhibits the notchback 'Jeancart' styling as seen on a 1936 Delahaye commissioned by M. Jeancart of Paris. Note the sumptuous curves on the rear end and dual elliptical rear windows. Whereas the shortened Talbot-Lago wheelbase of 2.65 meters lent itself to sporting coachwork, the longer wheelbase of 2.95 meters inspired a different design statement, one of elegant long-distance motoring - hence its nomination as a 'Grand Routiere.'

This car features a unique split window treatment. It was ordered by Antoine Schumann, who is believed to have participated in many road races with this car. Documentation suggests that this is the only long-wheelbase 'Teardrop' coupe produced in 1938.

Anthony Lago took control of Automobiles Talbot in 1935 and re-named the Suresnes, France-based enterprise Talbot-Lago. He also hired an engineer named Walter Brecchia to aid in the development of the first Talbot-Lago, based on a Talbot-Darracq three-liter Type K78. Brecchia's next engine was based on the six-cylinder K78 block with a displacement size that had grown to four liters. It had a new cylinder head that dramatically improved volumetric efficiency and breathability. It had a hemispherical-head design that featured a valve train actuated by a low-set camshaft with crossed pushrods, acting through both long and short rocker arms.

Rene Dreyfus was persuaded to manage the new Talbot-Lago race team. In June of 1936, at the French Grand Prix at Montlhéry, three Talbot-Lago racing cars finished in the top ten. They had been keeping pace with the Bugatti's prior to mechanical problems causing them to slow near the end.

The following year, Talbot-Lagos placed first, second, third fifth at the 1937 French Grand Prix. Victories continued to follow with a win at Tourist Trophy races at Donnington Park and a first place in the 1938 Monte Carlo Rally.

During the late 1930s, the Talbot-Lagos began losing ground to the German Mercedes-Benz and Auto-Union GP cars. Nevertheless, the Talbot-Lagos were very reliable and often finished surprisingly well.

The Talbot-Lagos enjoyed tremendous racing success, but the company's greatest achievement remains the Talbot-Lago T150-C chassis. The 'C' represented competition and many of the components found on the car were in reference to the company's racing successes. They had a large capacity oil pan, punched handbrake lever, a dual braking system, and a higher compression ratio were taken directly from the racing program. The company offered two versions, the SS ('Super Sport') and the 'Lago Speciale. The SS models had a short wheelbase and were suitable for two- or three-place coachwork. The Lago Speciale models were mechanically identical to the SS, but rested on a somewhat longer chassis (2.95 m wheelbase versus 2.65 M). Despite the larger footprint, it weighed just an additional 130 kg.

With excellent mechanical capabilities and two wheelbase sizes, all that was left was equally impressive coachwork. Some of the most beautiful Talbot-Lagos, and arguably most beautiful cars of all time, were created by Joseph Figoni and Ovidio Falaschi and their Figoni et Falaschi coach-building firm. The fanciful curves and sensuous lines ushered in a new era of the automobile as art. Many individuals regard Figoni et Falaschi as the innovator of the new look. One of their most memorable designs came at the request of a French businessman, M. Jeancart, resulting in the so-called Teardrop or 'goutte d'eau' coupes. It is believed that just sixteen were built, with two slightly different body styles. The first car, in what is now known as the 'Jeancart' design after the name of its first owner, was a beautiful aerodynamic coupe with a long streamlined rear. Five were built, either on the short C-SS chassis or on the Lago Speciale, with one car built on a T23 chassis.

Chassis 90034
Chassis number 90034 finished first in class in the 1948 24 Hours of Spa. It has a split windscreen and the absence of rear spats in an effort to increase ventilation to the rear axle and brakes. The hand-built car was created on the T150-C Lago Speciale chassis and given teardrop Coupe coachwork, combining race-bred technical competence with a design inspired by aerodynamic efficiency. Most Teardrops had seating for two; chassis 90034 can accommodate three.

This is the only example built on the longer Lago Speciale chassis. It was ordered new by Antoine Schumann and commissioned as a replacement for his Figoni-bodied Bugatti Type 50. The car cost an astounding price of 165,000 francs, making it one of the most expensive automobiles in 1938.

The racing-inspired features continue inside the car, with a dashboard that houses a full array of gauges. It has a special radiator, exterior lighting, and full-size sliding sunroof.

The car wears Figoni production number 738. The car was delivered to Schumann finished in a shade of dark blue. Since that time, the car has been repainted as many as five times.

During the War, Antoine Schumann severed in the French army. Unfortunately, he was killed during the war and his Talbot, which had likely been hidden away, was largely forgotten. The next owner was Freddy Damman who purchased the car in 1947. Damman repainted it in light grey and prepared the Lago Speciale for its racing debut at the 1948 24 Hours of Spa. Driven by Damman and co-driver and mechanic Constant Debelder, 90034 took first in class.

The car would remain with Mr. Damman for approximately 3 decades, before being sold privately in 979. Ownership passed through Michel Seydoux before being sold at auction in 1981. The purchaser retained the car for 23 years. At this point in history, the car had been repainted in a two-tone black and burgundy. Later the car went to all black; though it still had not been fully restored.

The next owner treated the engine to a light mechanical restoration, including a set of freshly rebuilt valves.

In 2005, the car joined the Mr. John O'Quinn collection, who embarked on a comprehensive restoration. The work was performed by RM Auto Restoration, who finished the car in black with a tobacco leather interior.

In 2010, the car was part of the Monterey, CA sale presented by RM Auctions, where it was sold for the sum of $4,620,000 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2014