1939 Talbot-Lago T23 Cabriolet

The early 1930s were a difficult time due to the Great Depression, and despite Talbot-Lago's racing successes at LeMans, Indianapolis, and the French Grand Prix, the sales branch in Suresnes was in danger of bankruptcy. Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq was in trouble until a young Italian engineer named Anthony Lago was appointed general manager in 1934. He was sent to France in a last-ditch effort to save Automobiles Talbot. Lago hired an engineer named Walter Brecchia, with whom he created the first Talbot-Lago to be based on a Talbot-Darracq three-litre Type K78. Brecchia's next engine was the seven main-bearing six-cylinder K78 block which had a four-liter displacement and a new cylinder head. This engine proved to be a brilliant design, dramatically improving volumetric efficiency and breathing. It featured a hemispherical head design, where a valve gear was actuated by a low-set camshaft, and crossed pushrods acted through both long and short rocker arms. With twin Solex carburetors, the new six could produce 140 horsepower at 4,200 rpm.

At the 1936 French Grand Prix, all three Talbot Lagos finished in the top 10. A year later, Talbot Lagos came in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th in the same race.

This particular example Talbot-Lago T23 'Baby Talbot.' It is a long-chassis Major model that has Talbot-built cabriolet coachwork. It has been in the care of its current owner since 1971 when it was acquired from another long-term owner. It has been given a complete restoration over the past few years by Swiss marque experts.

The engine is a 4,082cc inline six-cylinder engine offering 115 horsepower. There is a four-speed Wilson pre-selector transmission with four-wheel drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2018