1937 Talbot-Lago T150C SS Roadster

Louis Delage began producing cars in 1905, assembling parts from other companies and adding his own bodies. The company won its first car race, the Coupe de Voiturettes in 1906. Delages were entered in numerous competitions ranging from the French Grand Prix to the Indianapolis 500, where it won in 1913 and 1914.

Prior to WWII, Talbot was partnered with Sunbeam and Darracq. The company fell victim to the Great Depression and entered voluntary liquidation in 1935. It was acquired and reorganized by Antonio Lago. The company was then known as Talbot-Lago. These cars had great racing history, in particular, became of the engineering skills of Lago. Figoni and Falaschi built a number of bodies for the more sporty Talbots. The T150 began as a pure racing car. They had considerable racing success and coupled with the aerodynamic body design, they embodied speed and elegance. The 150 was the 'C' designation meant course or competition. The cars had an engine with 'Hemi' cylinder head, a three-liter engine, and a Wilson gearbox, which allowed the driver to select a gear in advance of its need. The gear wouldn't engage until the clutch was operated.

After dealing with financial issues, Talbot debuted the lightweight 150C in 1937. These cars racked up race wins in Europe.

Chassis #82928 was originally a racecar, a prototype of this design. At about the time of completion, Rene Dreyfus took up office as Chief of Race Equipment at Talbot and was, of course, a great driver. Dreyfus also brought into the Talbot's racing program another great driver, Luigi Chinetti. Lago, being short on funds to keep his racing program going, talked Rene Dreyfus into contacting Mr. Pierre Louis Dreyfus, unrelated, who had just purchased two 1.5-liter Delahaye racers. Mr. Louis Dreyfus was very rich, with investments that included a private bank. To differentiate the drivers, he raced under the pseudonym of Helde and was still racing in 1953, sharing the wheel with Luigi Chinetti at LeMans. Helde's monies kept the race team going with the first race to be Lemans but was canceled due to a French transportation strike. Helde campaigned the car later at the G.P. of ACG, G.P. of LeMans, 24 Hours of SPA, G.P. of Comminges, Tourist trophy Race, G.P. of France, and the Coupe De Automne, all with very respectable finishes. Financially astute, Helde sold the chassis to a Mr. Finley and the body to Mr. Chinetti; Figoni and Filaschi then created the touring body on the chassis as it is presently configured.