Elegance in Engineering and Design
1939 Talbot-Lago T23 “Major” 4.0 Liter Cabriolet
Talbot-Lago must be considered among the greatest of all European automotive marques. Their brilliance of design, engineering, and elegant construction defies their desperation as a surviving company braving two world wars. And yet, despite their financial and political challenges, Talbot-Lago was determined to design and build some of the world’s most astonishing automobiles. It is this fortitude and demand for perfection that brought the open coachwork 4-Liter T23 to fruition.
With racing success at Le Mans, Indianapolis, and the French Grand Prix, 1933 seemed to offer promise for growth, yet these successes were having little impact on sales, and had it not been for the timely arrival of the vibrant Italio-British businessman Anthony Lago in 1934, Talbot surely would have met its demise.
Together the pair went to work on a Walter Brecchia designed 3 Liter engine. Suitable, yet underpowered, it lacked proper platforms for coachwork and struggled to find success. Undaunted, the team modified the engine to a more robust 4 liters, creating a smooth 115bhp in-line six-cylinder engine with hemispherical combustion chambers, twin Solex carburetors, mated to a Wilson four speed pre-selector transmission. All of this coupled with independent front suspension, semi-elliptical leaf spring rear suspension, live rear axle, and four-wheel drum brakes, resulted in a brilliant automobile. In proper tune, the engine was capable of achieving 140bhp, with wonderful results in the 1936 French Grand Prix, finishing in the top ten.
This example is one of the most desirable T23 series 4-Liter “Major” Cabriolets, and the Talbot Club reports that fewer than a dozen of these cars remains in existence today. A likely figure considering these were exorbitantly expensive when new. Referred to as the “Major” model, this long wheelbase chassis design is clothed in stunning Talbot crafted coachwork.
You can see a full set of photos and all details here on our site - https://www.nweuro.com/1939-talbot-lago-t23
Please give us a call to talk about this one, or anything else in our inventory - We look forward to hearing from you.
Warm Regards,
Jason and Hans
Jason Harris
+1-206-355-7727
Hans Wurl
+1-425-417-5877
Cars In Our Network
Here is a list of cars recently uncovered in our network that are looking for a new home. Give us a call or drop a note to discuss.
1979 Porsche 930 - 20K Miles, All Original
1990 Porsche 911 - 964 C4, Manual, 3.8L Hot Rod
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 - Red/Tan, Long Term Ownership, Please Inquire
1964 Shelby Cobra 289 - Please Inquire
2001 BMW Z8 - Silver/Black, 10K
1988 BMW M3 - White, Original, Low Miles
Also Available - MORE HERE
Cars We Are Seeking
Here is a list of cars we are actively seeking for clients:
Ferrari F8 Spider - Must be Rosso Corsa
Porsche 911R (991) - Looking for a usable example
Ferrari 458 Speciale - Open to all examples
Ferrari 308 Vetroresina - Looking for best in the world example
Ford Sierra RS500 - Open to all examples
Ferrari 512 BB - Looking for a driver, carbureted example
Porsche 997 Turbo - Looking for a nice driver
BMW E39 M5 - Looking for a nice example
Porsche 997 GT3 - Open to all examples
Ferrari Enzo - Open to all examples
Porsche 997 GT3 RS - open to .1 or .2 model, under 15k miles
Ferrari - Gated, V12 Examples - 550, 575, 612, and others