One of the most celebrated examples of pre-war automotive artistry will cross the block at RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction 2026, where a 1938 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Teardrop Coupe by Figoni et Falaschi is expected to fetch between $7 million and $8 million. Widely regarded as the pinnacle of French Art Deco coachbuilding, this remarkable automobile is one of only 11 original “New York”-style Teardrop coupes produced and is the sole example specifically commissioned for competition.
The T150-C SS emerged from Anthony Lago’s ambitious effort to restore Talbot-Lago’s reputation through motorsport. Powered by an enlarged 4.0-liter inline-six engineered by Walter Becchia, the car featured hemispherical combustion chambers, triple Zenith-Stromberg carburetors, and a Wilson pre-selector gearbox. Combined with its lightweight competition chassis, independent front suspension, and short-wheelbase configuration, the T150-C SS established itself as one of the era’s most capable sporting machines, achieving notable victories in the French Grand Prix and RAC Tourist Trophy.
Its legendary bodywork was crafted by Figoni et Falaschi, whose flowing Art Deco styling transformed the Talbot-Lago into what became known as the “Teardrop” coupe. Introduced at the 1937 Paris Motor Show, the aerodynamic design quickly earned worldwide acclaim and remains one of the defining masterpieces of automotive coachbuilding.
Chassis 90117 stands apart even among these rare creations. Commissioned by French nobleman and racing enthusiast Philippe Régnier de Massa, it incorporated numerous competition-focused modifications, including a lower roofline, extended body, reinforced chassis, enlarged fuel capacity, additional driving lamps, improved ventilation, and a unique driver-oriented cockpit. These enhancements prepared the car for its appearance at the 1939 24 Hours of Le Mans, where de Massa and co-driver Norbert-Jean Mahé ran competitively before retiring after 88 laps due to mechanical issues.
Following World War II, the Talbot-Lago disappeared behind the Iron Curtain, remaining largely unknown to Western collectors for decades. Rediscovered after German reunification, it underwent an exhaustive restoration that culminated in a celebrated return at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Later owned by renowned collector Oscar Davis, the car received further restoration work and captured prestigious honors at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and the Louis Vuitton Concours Classic Award.
Recently serviced by RM Auto Restoration and carefully preserved by its current owner, chassis 90117 represents an extraordinary blend of competition pedigree, historical significance, and timeless design. As the only competition-specification Teardrop coupe ever built, it remains one of the most important and desirable French automobiles ever offered at auction.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
