Talbot Lago Architects

Photos: Barrett-Jackson

In a former life, I was a realtor. I didn’t last a year…too much competition from soccer moms who have the Parent-Teacher Association’s Rolodex full of potential prospects. They socialize at bake sales and parking lots, and they host sleep overs. In the game of sales, trust is enormous, and they were in a situation where they were selling themselves without trying. “I like Joanne. My kid had such a good time with her kid, and Joanne didn’t let my kid die. I think I’ll buy a house from her.”

In my time in real estate one occasionally came upon a one-of-a-kind property, a property often times touched by the hands of renowned crafts people, limited in number, or both. These properties often sell at a premium and are naturally in high demand. We would find these properties in a Schindler, Neutra or Wright home. If one is a proper caretaker of these properties and their history, they can find an incredible appreciation in their value. The auto world also rewards the vigilant caretaker of a fine automobile.

Talbot Lago, a manufacturer, in their day known for making race cars and luxurious automobiles has become, for vintage collectors, a premium buy and hold. It is simply a beautiful make and will find it has enormous value at auction.

Let’s start with the RM Auctions in Monterey, 2012.

Friday, Lot 121: 1938 Talbot Lago T-23 Teardrop Coupe by Figoni et Falaschi sells for $2,640,000. Its sale was at the 8th highest price at Monterey. It wasn’t exactly in the company of slackers: above it in price were a pair of Ferrari 250 GTs and a 410, a pair of Ford GT40s, an Aston Martin and a Horch.

In 2010, second top sale in Monterey is a 1938 Talbot Lago T-150C Lago Speciale Teardrop Coupe by Figoni et Falaschi: $4,620,000.

For those readers whose ears have perked up, in January of next year Barrett-Jackson-Scottsdale will place a 1947 Talbot Lago T-26 – Grand Sport (Chassis 110113) on the block. It was originally purchased in Geneva, Switzerland and later found in Tennessee (1988) in very good condition with all its original body panels, engine, chassis, red leather interior with black piping and finished in its original black paint.

Only 30 of them made, but this is only one of eight that were made with the short chassis as used on their Grand Prix autos. The coachwork on all the T-26s were custom, and design houses competed for the opportunity to dress the chassis. The coachwork on this two-seat coupe was done by Franay; Barrett-Jackson describes: “It is believed that only three Grand Sports had Franay coachwork.”

Under the hood rests a 4.5 liter engine, three carburetor fuel feed. Testing the endurance of the engine, two competition T26s placed 1st and 2nd at LeMans.

This automobile was completely restored in 2004.

Not a bad ride if you ask me.