1939 Talbot-Lago T150C SS Aerocoupe

Three primary factors led to this impressive sales price; good unrestored condition, an exciting competition history, and immaculate provenance

by Miles Collier

There were four Talbot-Lago T150C SSs made with Pourtout Aerocoupe bodies. Two are in private collections, and there are shadowy rumors of another in pieces, although no one has seen so much as a picture. The last is offered here, with exceptional provenance. Begun as war clouds gathered in 1939, it was not seen complete until the late 1940s.

It was built to plans drawn by legendary designer Georges Paulin, and assembled by one of France’s premier coachbuilders. After the war, the Talbot was owned by a wealthy gentleman driver who drove it to many victories on the road courses of France. It remains in original condition, showing the makeshift field modifications that racing sometimes demands.

By the early 1930s, Anthony Lago had negotiated the rights to the Wilson preselector gearbox, a breakthrough invention that allowed one to select a gear with a lever in advance of its need—the gear would not engage until the clutch was operated.

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