1938→1939 Talbot-Lago T23

To pay the racing bills that Anthony Lago racked up developing and fielding Talbot racing cars, he sold sporting chassis. The most prolific of these was the T23 which was built in different wheelbases and featured either a three or four cylinder engine. Some special models came with the hemispherical T150C SS cylinder heads.

With its independent front suspension, the T23 had good handling and the short wheel base cars were the most sporting.

The T23 was usually bodied by a coachbuilder selected by the customer. Of these the most outrageous are the work of Figoni et Falaschi who received much attention for their teardrop designs.

Story by Supercars.net

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	Series Production Car
production years	1938 – 1939
built at	Suresnes, France
engine	Inline-6
fuel feed	Twin Winfield Carburetors
displacement	3996 cc / 243.9 in³
compression	8.5:1
power	85.8 kw / 115 bhp
specific output	28.78 bhp per litre
redline	6000
f suspension	Independant w/Transverse Leaf Springs
r suspension	Live Axle w/Transverse Leaf Springs
wheelbase	2950 mm / 116.1 in
transmission	Wilson 4-Speed Pre-selector
designers	Walter Brecchia

Auction Sales History

1939 Talbot-Lago T23 Major 4-Litre Cabriolet 93615 – sold for €252,000 An elegant open-top “Baby Talbot”. Offered from over 40 years of enthusiast ownership. Beautiful condition throughout. Accompanied by restoration and service documentation. complete restoration was performed by Swiss marque experts.
Auction Source: Villa Erba 2015 by RM Sothebys

1939 Talbot-Lago T23 Three-Position Cabriolet 93463 – sold for $159,500

Today, the Talbot presents with a lovely patina from its thoughtful use over the years, but it still remains roadworthy. The T23 is highly respected for the rigidity of its chassis and the ruggedness of its four-liter engine, as well as the balance and beauty of the coachwork afforded by its chassis. According to the vendor, the Talbot Owners Club reports fewer than a dozen examples in existence, and 93463 is ready to stun its passengers with its performance and onlookers with its timeless beauty.
Auction Source: 2013 Amelia Island by Rm Auctions

1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Teardrop Coupe 93064 – sold for $2,640,000 The sole Jeancart-style, four-liter Talbot-Lago T23 Teardrop Coupe built. One of five Jeancart-style cars built and one of the four examples remaining. A former Pebble Beach Elegance in Motion winner. Expertly restored and properly sorted for fast driving, as originally intended.
Auction Source: Monterey 2012 by RM Auctions

1939 Talbot-Lago T23 Three-Position Cabriolet 93463 – did not sell for €100,000
Today, the Talbot presents with a lovely patina from its thoughtful use over the years but remains roadworthy. The T23 is highly respected for the rigidity of its chassis and the ruggedness of its four-litre engine, as well as the balance and beauty of the coachwork afforded by its chassis. According to the vendor, the Talbot club reports fewer than a dozen examples in existence, and 93463 is ready to stun its passengers with its performance and onlookers with its timeless beauty.
Auction Source: Monaco 2012 by RM Auctions

1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Teardrop Coupé 93064 – sold for €2,048,435

from the Estate of John M. O’Quinn. One of five Jeancart-style cars built and four remaining. The sole Jeancart-style, four-litre T23 Teardrop built. A former Pebble Beach “Elegance in Motion” winner. Not seen since full concours-standard restoration.

This 1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Teardrop Coupé is a masterpiece of French artistry, with its proportions and gently sweeping curves representative of France’s pre-war design themes. Freshly restored and listed in the Registre Talbot, Chassis 93064 remains the sole Jeancart-style Teardrop Coupé built by Figoni et Falaschi on the race-bred Talbot-Lago T23 chassis. This historic automobile is without exaggeration a piece of rolling artwork the likes of which the dedicated collector is unlikely to see again.