1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Cabriolet

In 1934 Tony Lago was promoted to the position of general manager of Automobiles Talbot's. A year later, he acquired the company and hired Walter Brecchia, an engineer. Together, they began work on the first Talbot-Lago; they were driven by the desire to create the world's greatest sports car. The engine created was a four-liter unit that was similar to the Talbot-Darracq Type K78, three-liter, seven-main bearing six-cylinder engine. The Talbot-Lago engine had a hemispherical head design featuring a new cylinder head that improved volumetric efficiency and air flow. With the help of dual Solex carburetors, the engine produced 140 horsepower.

Backed by the company and the competition engine, Lago approached the racing legend, Rene Dreyfus, with a proposition to manage his new racing team. Miraculously, he accepted. At the French Grand Prix at Montlhery, Lago's request was simple, 'stay ahead of the Bugattis for as long as you can.' Though the request may have been simple, the task was monumental but not impossible. At the conclusion of the race, the three Talbot-Lagos had finished and in respectable style. All were in the top ten and had provided competition for the Bugattis throughout most of the race, only being slowed near the end due to mechanical difficulties.

The following year at the French Grand Prix, the Talbot-Lagos showed their true potential by finishing first, second, third, and fifth. The racing variants had proven their merit but it was the road-going versions that paid the bills. Talbot-Lago vehicles were renowned for their style and attractive bodyshells. The wheelbases varied as did the engines which was available in three- or four-liter configuration.

The example shown is a 'Baby' T23 Cabriolet right-hand drive powered by a four-liter engine. It sits atop a 2950mm chassis with the body carrying a dark blue paint color while the interior is a pale blue-gray leather. This was a promotional vehicle that was used in sales literature and at the Paris Auto Show. Since that time it has had three owners and is believed to still have the original mechanical components. A mechanical restoration was performed by a former technician at the Talbot Works Suresnes in Paris before it was shipped to the US. At the 2006 RM Auction in Monterey, CA it was expected to sell between $225,000 - $275,000. Bidding fell just short of this estimate but since there was no reserve the vehicle was sold at a price of $209,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2006