A fortunate turn of events meant that CMC was given the opportunity to photograph and measure an absolutely original Talbot-Lago "Teardrop". A model-maker's pulse quickens at that, and the joy of recreating such a masterpiece as a model is immense, but at the same time it's also a challenge and an obligation to do justice to this demanding project.
Many experts around the globe agree that this vehicle can no longer be measured by the standards otherwise applied to automobiles. The Talbot-Lago, with bodywork crafted by the famous French coachbuilders Figoni & Falaschi, has an appearance quite out of this world. The car is simply what today would be called "state of the art". When Talbot first presented the coupé at the Paris Auto Salon in 1937, onlookers were instantly left almost breathless with admiration. It wasn't long before the terms "goutte d'eau" (water drop) and "teardrop coupé" emerged — neither was ever used officially, but both lent fitting words to its extraordinary shape. Everything about this fascinating vehicle, down to the last detail, speaks of a deep love of styling and fitting trim. Every line, every strip of chrome enhances the effect without ever appearing intrusive. This car is a harmonious whole — from the slender front wings to the chrome-plated exhaust tip. Add to that a luxuriously appointed interior with exquisite craftsmanship in fine wood and refined leather.
Under the coupé's bonnet works a silky-smooth straight-six engine producing between 140 and 160 hp, depending on the version. Strong torque guarantees brisk pick-up and good acceleration. Fewer than 20 of these cars — each differing from the next in barely noticeable or sometimes larger, more striking details — were built between 1937 and 1939. Today only around a quarter of these impressive vehicles are still known to exist, witnesses to a long-gone era when form still came before everything else.
Even back then accessible only to the very wealthy, the Talbot Lago 150C-SS nevertheless also found its way onto the world's great racetracks. There, the French luxury machine proved itself with wins and successes even under the toughest conditions.
The French racing drivers Philippe de Massa and Norbert Jean Mahé drove this Talbot Lago 150C-SS, race number 8, for the British racing team T.A.S.O. Mathieson at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June 1939, the last event before the outbreak of the Second World War.
A gruelling, car-breaking chase around the Sarthe circuit, then 13,492 kilometres long, demanded everything both drivers had. Sadly, technical problems forced them to retire.
This vehicle, with chassis number 90117, differs from the production car through extensive modifications and additional components.
Exhibition model
