1938 Talbot-Lago T120 Roadster

The elegant and graceful design of this Talbot-Lago could easily be the work of the legendary Joseph Figoni and Ovidio Falaschi. The flowing fenders, curvaceous body, and handsome two-seat sports coachwork have similarities to their work. Rather, it is believed to be the work of Carrosserie Brandone.

It disappeared for many years until it was discovered in storage near Saint Tropez in the late 1960s. Its design did not appear to be a regular production T120, and it was not clear as to what it was. For many years, it was believed that its alterations - such as the lengthened hood, longer rear deck, and stretched teardrop fenders - had come from Figoni et Falaschi. This was an obvious and perhaps correct assumption, as they were favored by Lago, and the design was similar to their other work.

The current owner acquired this roadster in 2005 and began doing extensive research as to its origins. Along with Figoni, Carrossereie Brandone was suggested as its creator.

Born in Nice in 1893, Etienne Brandone learned his craft with Billeter and Cartier, a Lyon shop whose primary clients were two local carmakers named Berliet and Rochet-Schneider. Some of their work was also done for Renaults and Bugatti.

Brandone set up his own shop in Nice and specialized in elegant cabriolets. His work, along with the help of his son Pierre, would earn many awards at Concours events for years to come. One of the more recent and memorable victories was for a Hispano-Suiza K6 owned by Sam and Emily Mann, which earned great acclaim at Pebble Beach in 2008. That same car had won the Grand Prix d'Honneur for the best French coachwork at the Cannes Coconurs d'Elegance in 1936.

Analyzing period photographs, unique design styles, elements, and touches that were unique to Brandone, were realized on September 2007. It can be said with a great deal of confidence that chassis number 92007 was bodied by Brandone, and not Figoni & Falaschi.

After the research, the owner began a restoration of the car, bringing it back to its original stunning condition. During the restoration, the owner elected to fit the Figoni patented grille over the more mundane standard example.

In 2009, this T120 was offered for sale at the Sports & Classics of Monterey auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $1,250,000 - $1,500,000. As the gavel fell for the third and final time, the lot had been sold for the sum of $900,000, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2009