A right-hand-drive 1939 Talbot-Lago T-15 Cabriolet built on a 126-inch wheelbase chassis and powered by a 115-hp, single-carbureted version of the Walter Brecchia-designed 3996cc inline-6 with seven main bearings, hemispherical combustion chambers and unusual valve gear using long and short pushrods, will cross the auction block at Barrett-Jackson’s 45th Scottsdale auction, scheduled for January 23 to January 31 at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
That basic Brecchia engine remained in production for 25 years, powering everything from futuristic Teardrops by Figoni et Falaschi to French Blue racers that enjoyed success at Le Mans and on the Grand Prix circuit both before and after World War II.
This T-15, chassis #91626 (above), carries a Talbot body with many characteristic details, including split front bumpers, long, raked louvers on the sides of the hood, fine stainless trim running the length of the body, polished rear fender splash guards and plated wire wheels that were all typical of Talbot-Lago in the late-1930s. The paint has been described as black, but it is actually a dark chocolate brown that appears black in photos. The interior is upholstered in taupe leather with matching carpets and top.
This particular car was restored in the Paris suburb of Bezons by Carrosserie LeCoq in 1990 before being sold at auction in Tokyo in 1992. For complete information, please visit www.barrett-jackson.com
