1937 Talbot-Lago T150C SS Coupe

The combined efforts of Talbot-Lago and Figoni & Falaschi resulted in many wondrous automotive creations, including the T150C model with goutte d'eau (teardrop) body. Fourteen of these cars were created between 1937 and 1939, and thirteen survive to this day. Just four of the fourteen, including this T150C, have a notched back, making them rare indeed. The model was named 'Jeancart' after the wealthy French businessman who bought the first Delahaye featuring this 'notchback' styling.

Recognized as the supercar of its day, with a racing chassis and 4.0-liter engine, the Talbot-Lago was owned for almost half a century by Dr. Fernand Masquefa, a prominent plantation owner who raced the car in many North African events. In 1992, then-owner Jean-Pierre Schindelholz showed the car at the Louis Vuitton Bagatelle Concours d'Elegance, where it was named Best of Show. In 1997, following a 4,000-hour restoration by the current owner, the car won Most Elegant Closed Car and was named Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concurs.

This Talbot-Lago, owned by William E. Connor, was the first car to win Best of Show at both the Pebble Beach Concurs d'Elegance and the Concours Automobile Classiques at Bagatelle. The latter accomplishment came first after Connor's initial restoration of the car. Remarkably, the car was completely re-restored for Pebble Beach. Among other things, the motor was rebuilt, non-original parts were taken off the car, proper parts were sought out or created, proper pebble-grained leather replaced flamboyant ostrich skin on the interior, and the exterior was repainted from dark aubergine to the car's original blue and silver. After two years and 4,000 hours of work by restorer Bob Mosier, Connor felt the car was ready for Pebble Beach, and he was right; the teardrop came out on top in 1997.