1936 Talbot-Lago T150C ‘Lago Speciale’

The T150C chassis was bred for competition and featured a four-liter variant of Talbot Lago’s six cylinder engine. By 1937, these were producing 140 bhp in standard specification and went almost unchallenged on the road.

Alongside the short-wheelbase SS (2.65 m) chassis, Talbot offered a longer (2.95 m) chassis that was labeled the “Lago Speciale.” Both variants used the same engine, transmission and running gear.

Our feature example is chassis 90034 and is unique as it is the only teardrop coupe built on the longer chassis. It was first ordered banker and occasional racer Antoine Schumann for 165,000 francs. It was highly appointed with a full bevy of gauges and sliding sunroof.

After the war, 90034 was sold to Freddy Damman who raced it in the 1948 24 Hours of Spa and took first in class. It was subsequently retained by the Damman for over 30 years.

In 2005 RM Auto Restoration was commissioned to restore 90034 for collector John O’Quinn who passed away before the car could be shown. It was subsequently sold at the Sports & Classics of Monterey Auction by RM for $4,620,000 USD.

Story by Supercars.net

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
body stylist	Georges Paulin
engine	Inline-6
position	Front, Londituinal
aspiration	Natural
valvetrain	OHV
displacement	3996 cc / 243.9 in³
bore	90 mm / 3.54 in
stroke	104.6 mm / 4.12 in
power	104.4 kw / 140.0 bhp @ 4100 rpm
specific output	35.04 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	116.67 bhp per tonne
curb weight	1200 kg / 2646 lbs
wheelbase	2650 mm / 104.3 in
length	4370 mm / 172.0 in
width	1570 mm / 61.8 in
top speed	~175 kph / 108.7 mph

Auction Sales History

1938 Talbot Lago T150C ‘Lago Spéciale’ Cabriolet – sold for €207,000

Some of the best-known 150Cs were bodied by Figoni & Falaschi but most, like this example, had factory bodywork. ‘90039’ is noteworthy for its streamlined radiator shell, vertical grille and the fin down the boot: features unique to this particular car and similar to those of Figoni & Falschi, which are regarded as the model’s ultimate expression. Reportedly undamaged and rust free, the chassis was professionally refurbished recently but otherwise the car is un-restored. Accompanying documentation consists of a USA Certificate of Title. We are advised that the car is tax paid in Switzerland (but not in the EU).

Talbot Lago T150Cs rarely come to market, making this fundamentally sound restoration project of particular interest to discerning collectors. Sold strictly as viewed, it represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a potentially fast and competitive pre-war sports car belonging to one of Europe’s premier marques and eligible for the most prestigious historic race series.

Auction Source: 2013 Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais

1939 Talbot-Lago T150 C Coupe 90060 – sold for $418,000 An Outstanding Long-Chassis Talbot-Lago. Show-Winning Restoration. Pebble Beach First in Class Winner. Kept from the Public Eye in Recent Years. CCCA Full Classic.
Auction Source: The 2013 Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company

1938 Talbot-Lago T150-C Lago Speciale Teardrop Coupe 90034 – sold for $4,620,000

The only long-wheelbase Lago Speciale Teardrop Coupe in existence. 1948 24 Hours of Spa class winner. Unbroken provenance from new. External front lights for racing in the night, a split windscreen and the absence of rear spats in an effort to increase ventilation to the rear axle and brakes.

There is no question that the 1938 Talbot-Lago T150-C Lago Speciale is a masterwork of Art Deco design. Its proportions and sweeping stance are a wonderful representation of the pinnacle of prewar French creativity and imagination. Crafted at the very height of Art Deco design in 1938, it is, like all significant works of art, virtually unmatched in its beauty, without peer or parallel.

Its appearance and availability marks only the second time this Talbot has been offered publicly since 1981. Its history is continuous and uncontested since 1938, and its provenance is impeccable, while its mechanical and cosmetic condition are as excellent as one could possibly hope for in a car of such substance. Without argument, it truly remains one of the most stunning cars in the world today.