This has to be one of the most beautiful cars ever

This is of course an updated version of the original, but WOW:
Talbot

That is a beautiful car. The old Talbot Lago T150s were really works of art, its a shame car companys don't build em like that anymore.

Sure, Talbot Lago teardrop coupe by Figoni et Falaschi. One of the members of our region of the Classic Car Club of America has a real 100-point restored one in French racing blue. It is, dare I say, to die-for.

There's a rather poor picture of it from last year's Kirkland Concours at https://www.kirklandconcours.com/2003awards.htm (it's at the bottom.)

It's one of my personal favorites...and if you think it's pretty in pictures, you need to see one in person!

Re: This has to be one of the most beautiful cars

Well, quite literally, it is one of the most beautiful cars ever. Was then and still is now. The bodyline reminds me of the Bugati 51.

https://www.stefanopasini.it/images/03-Bugatti%2051.jpg
https://www.stefanopasini.it/images/03-Bugatti%20Atlantic.jpg
https://www.stefanopasini.it/images/03-Bugatti%20Atlantic-2.jpg

On a side note, the seller has a very nice collection of clssic bicycles as well as what looks like many other types of collectibles.

Re: This has to be one of the most beautiful cars

Yes, these Talbots *are* "to-die-for" (or "drop-dead-gorgeous"). Though it's funny that the eBay ad calls it a "Talbo". Although I am more of a roadster enthusiast, I am facinated by this type of car.

Steve_S has pointed out the similarly stunning Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic Coupe and I quite agree. Ralph Lauren owns one of the few remaining Type 57s and he displays it at all the top-drawer concourse events.
The Bugatti Type 57 body is partly magnesium and uses exposed rivets as a styling cue, a nod to the Bugatti aircraft work. The seam (or "fin") in the car adds strength and mimics a vertical stabilizer. It's easier to see the rivets in Lauren's silver car. By the way, the car below is a replica, but it is an *exact* replica, being partly built from real Bug parts (including an 8 in-line Bugatti supercharged engine and real front axle). This replica is probably worth around $500,000. (I think that the car Steve_S has shown is the same car). Lauren's *real* Type 57 is likely to be the most valuable car in the world.




Jean Bugatti designed the Type 57, and was said to be inspired by the Talbot-Lago T150 SS, the car that Basil has referenced above. Here's a picture of a real Talbot-Lago. The car was also called the "Goutte d'Eau" (teardrop) Coupe.



Several years ago, Chrylser built a modern version of the Talbot/Buggati concept called the "Chrysler Atlantic Coupe" (complete with straight eight engine formed from two Neon engines).

https://www.kudzumonthly.com/kudzu/jan03/Atlantic.jpg
{I changed this to a link because the image was a tad too wide for my 800 pixel-wide display settings -- Basil)

Many companies got into the act of making these closed-type two-seat coupes in the 1930s. They were sort of like an earlier version of E-Type coupes, Ferrari Daytonas and other upscale GTs. Even MG got into the act with various versions of its "Airline Coupes".

It is called a Talbo perhaps because it indeed is

NOT a Talbot Lago. Do you suppose there is some'legal thing that they want to avoid? Even the inside labeling is called a Talbo... on the steering wheel. It has a fiberglass body and a Ford 302 engine..so i suppose they aren't trying to get 'away' with anything..but are they just being super cautious? For those of us who 'might' be able to afford it, at least the price is not that outrageous (OK, $75K is a LOT of money) but relatively speaking it seems correct.

Re: It is called a Talbo perhaps because it indeed

[ QUOTE ]
NOT a Talbot Lago. Do you suppose there is some'legal thing that they want to avoid? Even the inside labeling is called a Talbo...

[/ QUOTE ]
I would think that rights to the Talbot name in the US are still held by somebody (Chrysler maybe?) who would get mad (or at least demand royalties) if some little replicar company tried using it.

In Europe there were cars manufactured by Peugeot and badged as Talbots at least up to 1990. In the mid 80s the Sunbeam-Talbot-Lotus sold in the UK was built on the platform we in the States know as the Chrysler Omni/Horizon.

Last night on Car Crazy Barry Meguiar did a quick interview with Figoni's son. He loves the cars his dad built and shared his fond memories of his father teaching him to form sheetmetal when he was young. He also expressed great appreciation for Americans as they were his father's biggest fans (and customers).


PC.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

Talbot pictures - Art Center Car show

There was a '38 Talbot-Lago T150C "Teardrop" at the Art Center College of Design car show a few months ago. It received first place in the Strother MacMinn Designers'Choice Award catagory. I snapped a few shots ... it was one of my favorites (along with the '37 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B spyder).

Cheers,
John

Re: Talbot pictures - Art Center Car show

Stunning cars indeed. There were, of course, many different bodystyles fitted to chassis back then. Type 57s had everything from Le Mans 'tank' bodies via Atlantinc, Atalante, to some practical square-rigged saloons!
The Airline coupe brings back personal memories. My father had one - an MG PB with Q-type valve gear mods and a blower.
I wish it were still around!

Alfa Romeo pictures - Art Center Car show

Here's the '37 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Spyder that won Best in Show. drool...

Re: Alfa Romeo pictures - Art Center Car show

That's John Mozart's car. It was up here at last year's Kirkland Concours -- won best in show. John has some awesome cars!!!!!

[ QUOTE ]
Here's the '37 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Spyder that won Best in Show. drool...



[/ QUOTE ]

Re: Alfa Romeo pictures - Art Center Car show

Stop it! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'm getting jealous up here in hinterland...

Also just finished reading through the latest Classic & Sports Car magazine, I was drooling through all the pictures from the latest events (like Monterey Historics weekend, Italian Concours on the same weekend, plus delectable overseas events), dreaming...

How many of the Californians on here have ever been able to make it to the Monterey Historics and other similar events? I've heard it's mega-expensive just to even be there... About four years ago I talked to a local owner of a Porsche 356 who said that he tries to regularly drive it down to California for the Monterey Historics weekend.

Have tossed around the idea in my head of making it down to the San Francisco area for a vacation, to coincide with an event of the Arcane Automotive Society, they have some neat cars in that particular club, perhaps a little humbler version of going to the Monterey Historics but one I'd probably enjoy.

Re: Alfa Romeo pictures - Art Center Car show

James, the cars of the AAS are a hoot. You can see them on one of their frequent rides driving Gogomobils, DKW's, Wartburgs, DAF's, and all kinds of wonderful nonsense. You would certainly enjoy it.
Jeff

Re: Alfa Romeo pictures - Art Center Car show

Aeronca, you're right it's the type 57, not 51. Another note about the rivotted fin - It wasn't entirely for styling. The magnesium / aluminum body could not be welded due to limitations in the technology of the time. Rather than try to hide the [necessary] rivots, Bugatti made the fin part of the styling of the car. It sure worked!

Sherlock, the Monterey Historics are amazing and not to be missed. I highly recommend going if you can!

[ QUOTE ]
Sure, Talbot Lago teardrop coupe by Figoni et Falaschi. One of the members of our region of the Classic Car Club of America has a real 100-point restored one in French racing blue. It is, dare I say, to die-for.

There's a rather poor picture of it from last year's Kirkland Concours at https://www.kirklandconcours.com/2003awards.htm (it's at the bottom.)

It's one of my personal favorites...and if you think it's pretty in pictures, you need to see one in person!

[/ QUOTE ]

The 1938 Hispano-Suiza ain't half bad either.

Re: Alfa Romeo pictures - Art Center Car show

What great timing you have Basil, the speed channel just did one of those 1/2 hour bits on French cars and of course the Talbot was the feature car. The guy had just come back from the show in California and could not believe how the American's loved his car. Gosh, the largest collection of car nuts in the world live here, over 3000 on this forum. Wayne

Re: It is called a Talbo perhaps because it indeed

[ QUOTE ]

I would think that rights to the Talbot name in the US are still held by somebody (Chrysler maybe?) who would get mad (or at least demand royalties) if some little replicar company tried using it.

In Europe there were cars manufactured by Peugeot and badged as Talbots at least up to 1990. In the mid 80s the Sunbeam-Talbot-Lotus sold in the UK was built on the platform we in the States know as the Chrysler Omni/Horizon.



[/ QUOTE ]

Actually that one about the Sunbeam Lotus being based on the Omni/Horizon is an error I've seen perpetuated many times on the internet.

The Sunbeam Lotus (and the lesser Sunbeam hatchbacks) were actually built on the rear wheel drive Hillman Avenger/Plymouth Cricket floorpan.

Talbot's version of the Omni/Horizon was called (surprise) Talbot Horizon.

There is a family resemblence between the Sunbeam and the Horizon, but the European Horizon was always a four door and had chunkier looks. The Sunbeam only ever had two doors.

Back to the Talbot name, I suspect Chrysler gave up all claims to their European brand names when they sold them to Peugeot, but you never know.

Re: Alfa Romeo pictures - Art Center Car show

[ QUOTE ]

How many of the Californians on here have ever been able to make it to the Monterey Historics and other similar events? I've heard it's mega-expensive just to even be there...

[/ QUOTE ]

While not Californians, a few years ago my parents and in-laws all went to Pebble Beach Concours and Monterey Historics. The events aren't any more than a night at the opera, but hotel is rather spendy.

I keep trying to make it down, but the past few years have been crazy with little kids. I'll make it down eventually, and luckily, I can probably scrounge some press passes.