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1939 Talbot-Lago T23 background image

1939 Talbot-Lago T23 Cabriolet

  • Chassis Number: 93615
1939 Talbot-Lago T23 Navigation
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

2019 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $325,000-USD $375,000 
Sale Price :
USD $318,500

2018 Worldwide Auctioneers : Pacific Grove Auction

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $450,000-USD $500,000 
Sale Price :
USD $397,000

2018 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale

Sale Price :
USD $258,500

2015 RM Sotheby's : Villa Erba

Pre-Auction Estimates :
€250,000-€325,000 
Sale Price :
USD $274,176 (€ 252,000.00)

1939 Talbot-Lago T23 Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Talbot-Lago T23

(Data based on Model Year 1939 sales)
1939 Talbot-Lago T23 Major Cabriolet by Chausson
Chassis#: 93463
Sold for USD$89,600
  2023 RM Sothebys : Arizona
1939 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1939 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1939 Talbot-Lago T23 Major Cabriolet
Chassis#: 93463
Sold for USD$173,600
  2020 RM Sothebys : The Elkhart Collection
1939 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1939 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1939 Talbot-Lago T23 Major 4-Litre Cabriolet
Chassis#: 93615
Sold for USD$318,500
  2019 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island
1939 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1939 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1939 Talbot-Lago T23 Major 4-Litre Cabriolet
Chassis#: 93615
Sold for USD$397,000
  2018 Worldwide Auctioneers : Pacific Grove Auction
1939 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1939 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1939 TALBOT-LAGO T-23 CABRIOLET
Chassis#: 93615
Sold for USD$258,500
  2018 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale
1939 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1939 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1939 Talbot-Lago T23 Major 4-Litre Cabriolet
Chassis#: 93615
Sold for USD$274,176
  2015 RM Sotheby's : Villa Erba
1939 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1939 Talbot-Lago T23 image  
1939 Talbot-Lago T23 Three-Position Cabriolet
Chassis#: 93463
Sold for USD$159,500
  2013 RM Auctions - Amelia Island
1939 Talbot-Lago T23 image  1939 Talbot-Lago T23 image  

Talbot-Lago T23s That Failed To Sell At Auction

1939 Talbot-Lago T23's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1939 Talbot-Lago T23 Three-Position Cabriolet934632012 RM Auctions at Monaco$100,000$140,000$180,000

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1939 Talbot-Lago T23

Additional valuation insight and sales data
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Other Talbot-Lago T23 model years

1939 Talbot-Lago T23 Vehicle Profiles

1939 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle information
Cabriolet
Chassis #: 93615
1939 Talbot-Lago T23 vehicle information
Cabriolet
Chassis #: 93463
Engine #: 23560

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