Following Anthony Lago’s assumption of control at Automobiles Talbot in 1935, the company, now rebranded as Talbot-Lago, shifted its focus to a fresh lineup of sports cars. With engineer Walter Brecchia’s innovative designs, Talbot-Lago introduced a new 4.0-liter engine and modern chassis concepts, alongside a racing team led by René Dreyfus. In June 1936, at the French Grand Prix in Montlhéry, three Talbot-Lago racing cars secured top-10 finishes. Among its greatest achievements, the Talbot-Lago T150 C chassis stands out as the company’s finest.
The only example built on the longer Lago Spéciale chassis, this Goutte d’Eau, or Teardrop-bodied T150 C, was ordered new by gentleman race driver and banker Antoine Schumann as a replacement for his Bugatti Type 50. The special-order body from Figoni et Falaschi (Design Number 9222) wore a multitude of unique features specified by Schumann, with the design aided by the extra 30 centimeters of wheelbase creating smooth, flowing lines of unparalleled harmony. Three-abreast seating upholstered in Tobacco leather with matching wood on the door caps, a dash fitted with a full set of Jaeger instruments, special curtains in Havana leather made for the rear window, and more were all part of Schumann’s original design specification.
Sometime in 1947, chassis number 90034 was purchased by Frédéric “Freddy” Damman, the owner of the Magasins Butch clothing stores and gentleman racing driver. Damman painted it gray and prepared the Lago Spéciale for its racing debut at the 1948 24 Hours of Spa. It was entered in the 4.0-liter category and given start number 92. With Damman and co-driver and mechanic Constant Debelder at the wheel, the car placed first and won its class — an impressive result for a nine-year-old car.
The car would remain with Damman for approximately three decades, before being sold privately in 1979. Ownership passed through film producer and businessman Michel Seydoux before the car was sold again in 1981 to Yves Rossignol, an avid motoring enthusiast who kept 90034 for 23 years, painting it in a two-tone-black-and-burgundy livery. Later the car was finished in all black; yet importantly, it remained unmolested and complete, and had never received an actual restoration. After a short time with noted collector Marc Caveng in Switzerland, in 2005 the car joined the collection of John O’Quinn, who embarked on a comprehensive restoration. After the passing of O’Quinn in 2009, chassis 90034 was sold to its current owner in August 2010 during Monterey Car Week.
Highly original and authentic, in beautifully restored condition, it has a continuous and unbroken history of ownership since its inception in September 1938.
(Introductory description courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions.)
