Here is a stunning example of peak car design.
Timeless and enchanting lines from every angle. Unbelievable finesse and shape to every panel — courtesy of the era’s best coachwork masters.
But special even before that point. This short-wheelbase, competition model has the lightweight sports-racing chassis and race engine. It is also one of only two worldwide with fully enclosed front fenders.
These were a difficult feat then and are similarly hard to achieve now. Certainly they are impossible for any volume-produced machine. The idea that they would help with aerodynamics is charming considering the top speeds of this car barely crest 100-mph.
But the aerodynamic principles are solid. And the beauty of the end result is beyond compare.
For a teardrop coupe that will make you swoon from any angle, you must salute this Talbot-Lago.
The Villa Erba auction from RM Sotheby’s was a perfect venue for this gorgeous car’s sale. It brought a stunning $3.8-million – every cent justified.
1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Coupé by Figoni et Falaschi
RM Sotheby’s
Villa Erba 2017
1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS ‘Goutte d’Eau’ Coupé by Figoni et Falaschi
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Sold for €3.360.000
- An authentic example of the famed Talbot-Lago ‘teardrop’ coupé
- Rare SWB lightweight T150-C SS sports-racing chassis; original chassis, engine, and drivetrain
- Restored to its original teardrop design first fitted to this chassis
- One of two examples with fully enclosed front fenders
- An iconic Figoni et Falaschi design, coveted the world over for its outstanding beauty
- Among the most desirable coachbuilt sporting automobiles of its era
Chassis number 90110, offered here, is one of only two examples of the fabulous ‘Goutte d’Eau’ built by Figoni et Falaschi with fully enclosed front fenders—a feature more often seen on the company’s Delahaye designs of this period. The finished car left Talbot on 25 November 1937 carrying body number 677 and was identical to the body mounted earlier that year on chassis number 90107, the famous and widely photographed Goutte d’Eau that belonged to Princess Stella of Karputhala.
Photo Credit: Fotohalle Unger © 2017 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.