1938 TALBOT LAGO 23T DROPHEAD COUPE - ONE CA. OWNER FOR 50+ YEARS - VERY RARE!

Price: Ask a price!
Location: Pleasanton, California, United States
Make: Other Makes
Model: TALBOT LAGO 23T DROPHEAD COUPE
Type: Convertible
Trim: SUICIDE 2 DOOR
Year: 1938
Mileage: 71,211
VIN: 8251NM
Color: French Blue (Originally)
Engine size: 3.0 Liter
Number of cylinders: 6
Fuel: Gasoline
Transmission: Manual
Drive type: RWD
Interior color: Brown
Vehicle Title: Salvage

1938 Other Makes TALBOT LAGO 23T DROPHEAD COUPE Description

1938 Talbot Lago T23 Drophead Coupe
Extremely Rare Drop Head Coupe "Barn Find”
Unique Opportunity to Own a Solid, Complete Elegant Talbot Lago for Restoration
Been Stored Inside for 55+ Years & Owned by One California Family the Entire Time
Including Clear California Transferrable Title!
NOTE: VEHICLE IS LOCATED 30 MILES FROM OUR PLEASANTON, CA. SHOWROOM
NOTE: This is a highly unique vehicle with fascinating history. Please do not hesitate to call us at 925-846-1451 and we'll glad to discuss a "Buy it Now” approach and answer any questions. Since the Talbot Lago is advertised in other locations, we reserve the right to end the auction at any time.
Please Note: Each time we list a vehicle on eBay, we receive comments that there are no photos of the interior, engine, undercarriage, etc. of the car. There are close to 100 photos of all areas of this Alfa, but when you reach what appears to be the last photo, you will need to scroll down on eBay to view the remaining photos. If you are still unable to see them, please call us at 925-846-1451 and we will provide a direct link. Note: It is a violation of eBay policy for us to list the URL on the eBay listing. Please let us know if you would like additional photos of any part of the Alfa. All of our photos are taken in natural light and we do not "Photoshop” or touch-up the photos in any way.
SUMMARY / HISTORY
The name Talbot has been used so often for so long that it confuses even the experts. Most recently, Peugeot used it the Eighties on cars it inherited from its buy-out of Chrysler-Europe.
In the early part of the century, the Talbot badge was seen on cars built both in England and France. In the Thirties, Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq fell on hard times, and the English part was taken over by Rootes in 1934. The French unit went to S-T-D assistant director Major Antony Lago, who had gone to Paris in 1933 to rescue it. Thus was formed Talbot-Lago.
Under Lago, the firm specialized in fast, luxurious, and expensive road cars. Racing was also an important part of the firm's image-building plan; it competed at LeMans and elsewhere into the Fifties.
Shortly after Lago's takeover, a new 3,996-cc, overhead-valve six bowed, followed in 1938 by a 4.5-liter unit with a hemi head and three Solex carbs. This engine soon gained a reputation for fantastic torque and exceptional durability.
Since Major Lago had earlier helped engineer the Wilson pre-selector four-speed gearbox, he mated it to his new six. With it, the driver chose a gear in advance by moving a small lever to the desired "notch" and, when ready, depressing the clutch and letting it back up, thus effecting the gear change. This rugged gearbox helped Talbot-Lago win many races.
In addition to being fast, Lago insisted that his cars be visual knockouts. For some of them, he turned to Joseph Figoni, an Italian coachbuilder who had relocated to Paris a decade earlier. Ovidio Falaschi joined him in 1935, setting the stage for some of the most flamboyant cars of the Thirties. So unique were their creations that they received French patents for some elements of the designs.
According to automotive journalist Griffith Borgeson, they formed a car out of "five individually sculptured pods -- the four wings and the pod for engine and occupants -- all of which flowed into each other to form a consummate unity...which constituted one of the absolute high points of automotive body design, worldwide, during the Thirties."
The Talbot Lago offered for sale has an interesting history that dates back to prior to the very early 1960's. The cars owner, the son of an avid collector who owned in excess of 100 cars at the time of his death, remembers the car when he was a child and it has been in the family ever since the late 1950's. The details of how the car arrived on U.S. shores are undocumented but it is fact that the car has been stored in the same inside location ever since he can remember, some 55+ years. Upon the passing of his father, he inherited the car and as a paint and body professional was, at one point, restoring the car.
Needless to say, the car has considerable emotional significance as it was one of his father's prize possessions. However, time has slipped away and, realistically; it does not appear as if he will be able to devote the time to the Talbot Lago's restoration so it is being offered to a new ‽Caregiver” for future preservation and/or restoration.
CONDITION
In this instance, the old adage "A photo is worth a thousand words” is certainly applicable with some clarification. The knowledgeable enthusiast will notice several things after a close, critical review of our comprehensive photos. While we cannot guarantee that every nut and bolt / part is there, the owner indicates that the car is VERY complete. The headlights, trim and other components are shown in various photos and, of course, are included with the Talbot Lago. It is also worth noting the following:
- The owner reports that the drive-line is original to the car (Numbers Matching) and key numbers have been photographed and are contained in the listing/photos
- Mileage shown on the odometer is 71,211 and must be reported as TMU (Total Miles Unknown) considering the age of the car but certainly appears tro be original considering the history that is known on the car
- As was common in this era, the car was titled using the engine number and carries the following information on the clear, transferrable title: 1938 Talbot Lago, VIN # 8251NM (Engine #) Body Type "RD” (Roadster), Class "AC”
- In late May, 2016 the car was properly prepared and turned over by hand…the engine turns freely. No attempt was or will be made to start the car, but there is no reason to believe that it will not run
- The car has been stored inside in one of the driest parts of inland Northern California (Central Valley) and remains extremely solid and generally rust/rot free (especially for a 75+ year old Talbot Lago) Note: Only two very small areas of rust were identified with the exception of a light patina of surface rust. None of the rust is anywhere near structural and limited to an egg size area that cannot be seen on the cars exterior (inner fender), a few areas of deteriorated (and easily changed) and a few areas of old wood
- The Talbot Lago was primed in the 1960's but was originally ‽French Blue.” There is no significant body damage and panel fit is very good
- The top has been recovered and contains the difficult to locate side trim / "landau” trim
- The interior in the car was re-done many years ago but is fairly complete and intact
- Gauges (original Jaeger), steering wheel are correct to the car are with the exception of an added 1950's / 1960's AMP gauge
- Wheels are original to the car including the mounted spare wheel / tire. The tires are VERY old (possibly originals) that hold air and have markings "Michelin (Scripted) Superconfort 160 / 40 N
- Front radiator carriers a name of "Chausson”
- The Talbot Lago is being offered ‽As-Is / Where-Is” as an opportunity to own a true barn find that is a candidate for a Pebble Beach level restoration
We will be glad to assist with "Non-Op” shipping and also discuss inspections with qualified, interested prospective buyers.
Thank you,
Classic Cars Ltd.
925-846-1451
PURCHASING A COLLECTOR VEHICLE - THINGS TO CONSIDER
As always, we recommend that you carefully review the seller's background for any collector car being sold over the Internet. It is important to ask yourself a number of questions including, but not limited to:
- How long have they been in business?
- How much experience do they have with collector cars?
- How many positive collector car vehicle sales have they completed (positive eBay feedback)?
- How detailed/complete is the description of the vehicle?
- Do the photos show details of the interior, exterior, top, chrome, etc. or are they simply "glamour shots" taken from a distance?
- Does the seller have a Surety Bond to protect the financial transaction?
- What about insurance, licensing by the state, and a local business license?
- Does the seller (if a business) have any DMV (Motor Vehicle) complaints and/or other history of legal action, grievances?
- Does the seller enjoy a favorable local and national/international reputation?
- Can the seller assist with funding sources, transport and out of state/country sales?
ABOUT CLASSIC CARS LTD.
- Classic Cars Ltd. has been in the same, small, California town for over 23 years. We operate a small "brick & mortar", indoor showroom, and specialize in the sale, consignment, and purchase of sports, high performance and specialty vehicles of all types. We have a particular interest in sports cars and unique vehicles.
- The majority of our vehicles come from local, private owners and collectors, and many were sold new in California. We appreciate that rust free cars, with excellent documentation and history are especially attractive to our buyers both locally, and around the country. As a result, we do not purchase our collectible cars from "distressed" sales, such as wholesale auctions, salvage sales, or lien sales. We do not sell vehicles with salvage titles, or those that have a history of significant accident damage or repair.
- We have sold hundreds of unique, classic and collectible vehicles and regularly deal with buyers that have not had the experience of purchasing a large (both physically and monetarily) item on eBay, or through an Internet source. Our eBay feedback is 100% positive on all vehicle sales from customers around the globe and is a reflection of our commitment to accurate, complete, and thorough vehicle descriptions.
- We have been shipping vehicles for years and have established excellent contacts that are not only high quality but very price competitive. We do not use brokers, terminal shipping or other discount methods. Call us or email for a quote directly to your home or office. We are often able to obtain quality enclosed transportation (the kind of travel this car deserves) for the cost of open shipping.
- Please review our feedback on eBay (user name Never22Many) representing over 890+ positive transactions to buyers all over the United States / World.
- We are fully insured, bonded, and licensed for collector car sales all over the United States/World.
- Classic Cars Ltd. carries a $50,000 Surety bond to cover financial transactions
- We frequently sell vehicles to out of State / out of country buyers, and will be glad to provide references for buyers in your area.
MISCELLANEOUS GENERAL INFORMATION
- As with virtually all collector/specialty vehicles, we find that parts and resources are readily available for this (and most every vehicle), thanks in large part to the Internet.
- In addition to the purchase price of the vehicle, California buyers will be subject to sales tax, a documentation fee, DMV transfer fees and license/registration. Out-of-state buyers will be responsible for the purchase price of the vehicle and any local taxes/fees will be the purchaser's responsibility to pay in their respective state. IMPORTANT NOTE: If the vehicle is delivered or driven in California and driven on California roads, sales-tax, license/registration and transfer fees will be assessed per California law.
- While we encourage telephone calls to discuss this vehicle in greater detail we will not respond to inquiries asking "What is the reserve". Also, if you would prefer that we call you to answer any questions about the vehicle; shipping alternatives, etc. please e-mail us with your telephone number and will gladly get back in touch with you.
- As with any collectible vehicle of this vintage we are unable to provide a warranty or guarantee of condition. However, we make every effort to accurately represent our vehicles, and highlight both positive items as well as areas that require attention. We ask that prospective buyers consider our eBay history/feedback, standing in the community, length of time in business, and other factors when purchasing a collectible vehicle from Classic Cars Ltd.
- This is an unrestored example and is being sold "As-Is” / ‽Where Is” Inspections are available within 48 hours of the end of the auction and can be arranged by calling 925-846-1451
- The information contained in this description is believed to be accurate but, in some instances, has been provided by the car's owner / owners or outside sources. As a result, we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of the information. We encourage verification of "numbers" and significant data prior to the purchase of any collector vehicle that you are considering.
Classic Cars Ltd.
925-846-1451

Specifications:
Body Type / Style:	Coupe
Exterior Color:	Originally French Blue
Interior Color:	Brown
Engine:	In Line 6 Cylinder
Transmission:	4 Speed Manual
Mileage:	71211
Drive:	Rear
Doors:	2

Terms & Conditions

Buyers outside of California will be responsible for a $195.00 fee for processing/administration. The charge will apply if the vehicle is purchased through ebay or before or after the auction, directly through Classic Cars Ltd.
The vehicle is listed for sale elsewhere. We reserve the right to end the auction at anytime. We will be glad to discuss details of a "pre-auction" purchase (925) 846 1451.
Inspections of vehicles are encouraged but (by appointment only) must be completed within 24 hours of the end of the auction.
Out of state buyers are responsible for the high bid and any shipping costs. California buyers are subject to the appropriate sales tax, DMV transfer, and fees associated with the purchase of any used vehicle sale in the state of California.
To avoid shipping the title with the car to our out of state buyers, we mail the title via Priority Mail.
While shipping and transportation costs (if appropriate) are the responsibility of the winning bidder, we can assist with locating a suitable transporter. We regularly ship cars all over the USA/World, and can often times locate very competitive rates for transporting vehicles door to door, to a local terminal, enclosed, open, etc. Please call us for specific information/rates to your location.
We meet some great people and fellow enthusiasts, and only rarely do we have problems with non-paying bidders. Please be certain that you are prepared to buy the car if you bid, or call us at 925-846-1451 before the end of the auction if we can answer any questions. If you have a "sunglass" rating or fewer than 10 feedback ratings on eBay, please call us before you bid so that we can discuss the bidding process, etc. If we do not hear from you, we reserve the right to delete your bid.

Thank You & Happy Bidding
Classic Cars Ltd.

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