The Talbot-Lago T150 C Lago Speciale Teardrop Coupรฉ, bodied by Figoni and Falaschi, will be offered at auction by Broad Arrow Auctions in August. This exceptional car, considered by many to be the most beautiful automobile ever created, is likely to turn heads and break records during this highly anticipated sale.
A special order to replace a Bugatti
In 1938, gentleman driver and banker Antoine Schumann decided to replace his Bugatti Type 50 with a Talbot-Lago T150 C Lago Speciale Teardrop Coupรฉ. His choice, guided by his keen eye for design and his appreciation of technical prowess, proved visionary. Nearly 85 years later, this automobile is considered an absolute masterpiece of automotive styling.
Bodywork by Figoni and Falaschi
Luigi Chinetti, then sales agent for Talbot-Lago, obtained exclusive rights in France to sell Talbot-Lago chassis equipped with โteardropโ bodies from Figoni and Falaschi. For chassis no. 90034, ordered by Schumann, design no. 9222 is retained:
A turbulent history
In 1940, Germany's invasion of France forced the Schumann family to flee, leaving the car hidden behind. After the war, the Talbot-Lago was purchased by Frรฉdรฉric Damman who entered it in the 24 Hours of Spa in 1948, winning its category. Several owners followed, including Yves Rossignol who kept it for 23 years, even taking it to South America.
A careful restoration
Acquired in 2005 by collector John O'Quinn, the car benefited from a complete restoration by RM Auto Restorations. Unusually for a car of this age, all the body panels, painted a deep luminous black, are original. The tobacco leather interior and woodwork are preserved and renovated, while the six-cylinder engine and mechanical elements are meticulously restored.
A museum piece at auction
With an uninterrupted ownership history and impeccable provenance, chassis no. 90034 is a true gem that will appeal to the most demanding collectors. As at home in a modern art collection as it is in an automobile museum, this Talbot-Lago is sure to make a splash when it is auctioned by Broad Arrow Auctions during Monterey Car Week, August 14-15. Its estimate is between $6.5 and $8.5 million.
Don't miss the opportunity to see, or even acquire, what is perhaps the most beautiful car in the world. The Talbot-Lago T150 C Lago Speciale Teardrop Coupรฉ from 1938 risks making an impression and making history during these exceptional auctions.
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