1938 TALBOT LAGO T23 MAJOR CABRIOLET

French title
Chassis n° 89907
Engine n° 23231

- Equipped with the « Grand Sport » engine
- Superb high quality older restoration
- Coachwork with a rare elegance

Making its appearance in the range in 1937, the Type T23 (23hp tax band) was equipped with a powerful 4-litre, 7 main-bearing engine, capable of producing 115 bhp in its "Grand Sport" two carburettor version. The chassis was available in 3 different wheelbases and the "Major" was the mid-length, between the shorter "Baby" and the longer "Master".
According to a presentation document provided by the previous owner, this handsome cabriolet was assigned to Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny as an official car at the time of the liberation. At some point after this, it is believed to have been sold by the authorities to an enthusiast from Metz, who stored it for about thirty years. The T23 then sold to a collector who, in 1983, entrusted his car to the renowned Lecoq establishment to be fully refurbished, mechanically
and cosmetically. In 1989, it passed into the hands of a collector from Seine et Marne. Then, in 1993, it was repainted its current colour by the restorer G. Morel in Provins. The previous owner acquired the car in 2000 and had the engine rebuilt, as shown in various photos. This lovely automobile joined the collection in 2001. The panels are well aligned, with just a minor dent in the rear right-hand wing and the driver’s door, which could be repaired. The superb red leather upholstery has an appealing patina. This interesting version with "Grand Sport" engine was started up in 2021 after being unused for ten years, and will require a full service before taking to the road again. Powerful, elegant and with a refined finish, this is a particularly desirable cabriolet.

Photo © Peter Singhof
The auction of this lot will take place on Saturday 19 March 2022.
https://www.artcurial.com/fr/lot-1938-talbot-lago-t23-major-cabriolet-4134-330