Chassis No. 90060

Engine No. 85178

In 1934-1935, Anthony Lago commissioned Joseph Figoni to design a number of new and exciting coachwork styles that would be constructed at the in-house coachbuilding facility at the Talbot factory. One of these exciting designs placed on the T150 C chassis was a conduite intérieure, as it is called in French, which translates as a close-coupled coupé-sedan. This Figoni conduite intérieure design has great harmony of line, graceful pontoon fenders with chrome scallops, and an elegant greenhouse, enhanced by a delicate and tasteful use of chrome trim. The free-standing headlights and classic Talbot-Lago grille combine to give the frontal aspect a purposeful and forceful look. The coachwork is simply a splendid match for the powerful and race-bred underpinnings.

The T150 C, or Lago Spéciale engine featured a special race-developed cylinder head with inclined overhead valves set in hemispherical combustion chambers, operated by crossed pushrods that were controlled by a single camshaft high in the block. This improved breathing and volumetric efficiency, and power could be as much as 170 hp at 5,200 rpm with triple Stromberg EX32 carburetors when fitted with high-compression pistons. Engines were often supplied to individual customer order, and while the standard set-up put out approximately 150 hp, many clients opted for this works team specification.

The Lago Spéciale chassis was equally special. Riding on a 2950 mm wheelbase, it featured independent transverse leaf front suspension and a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. The Wilson pre-selector transmission, Houdaille shock absorbers, and powerful four-wheel drum brakes completed the picture. The T150 C chassis weighed only 950 kg, and while it was designed to accommodate luxurious coachwork, it remained a sports car. With the exception of a compressor-driven Bugatti Type 57 or the Talbot-Lago T150 C-SS, the T150 C was one of the quickest and best handling cars money could buy. It was a genuine 100 mph car.

Having one of the highest known chassis numbers, T150 C chassis 90060 is likely to have been bodied by the factory in September 1939, on the cusp of the outbreak of World War II. The car's first owner was a French doctor who did not have much time to get accustomed to his new car before it was squirreled away, likely remaining in storage until the end of hostilities. Chassis number 90060 was exported to America in the 1950s and secreted in Santa Barbara in Southern California until it was acquired by the well-known restorer Richard Straman in the mid-1970s.

Straman restored 90060 from the ground up, with a color change from gray to French Blue, and the installation of a new interior in crimson leather. The beautiful marquetry on the doors was restored, as was the wood-grained dashboard with its full set of Jaeger instruments. The knock-off wire wheels, which are a signature feature of the T150 C and T150 C-SS chassis, were chromed to spectacular effect. The car was awarded first in class at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1986 and was featured in Road & Track magazine in 1987. The car has received honors at a CCCA Grand Classic and has scored high at other concours.

It is rare to encounter a Talbot-Lago T150 C. With its racing pedigree and tight-fitting Figoni-designed body, these models are fascinating and desirable classic automobiles. Coupled with the belle mechanique, or beautiful mechanicals, of its handsome chassis, elegant road manners, and superior acceleration, 90060 is a truly exciting motorcar that will be equally at home on tours and the concours show field.