HIGHLIGHTS
Rare Factory Original 4.0 Liter Long Wheelbase “Major”
Elegant Talbot Factory Built Cabriolet Coachwork
Superb Restoration Performed by Autosattlerei-Reusser
All Leather, Carpets, and Trunk Recently Reupholstered

OVERVIEW
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.

The following year, against Bugattis and other impressive contenders, Talbot Lagos returned with 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th places in the same race. Establishing themselves in 1936 as Talbot-Lago, they became both a formidable racing force and builder of exceptional road cars - embodying the spirit and grace of the classic era of European coachbuilt cars.

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. Built on chassis number 93615, this Talbot-Lago still retains the original 4-Liter engine, number 23440.

Though history of the earliest ownership has not been confirmed at this time, this Talbot-Lago was purchased by Fred Steiner in 1971 from a prominent architect, W. Meier, based in Zurich, Switzerland. Though Meier’s length of ownership is not known, he reportedly had owned the car for some years when he sold it to Steiner. Documented with a photo in 1980 showing the car in original and complete condition while under Steiners ownership, the Talbot remained in the Steiner family for over 40 years. In 2014 the family undertook a complete restoration, performed by Swiss experts Autosattlerei-Reusser. Work performed on the car was extensive including removing the body from the frame, stripping all body panels to bare metal, a complete inspection of the wooden body framework to determine which pieces needed to be crafted due only to age, and replacement sections properly joined using kiln fired ash.

The Autosattlerei-Reusser restoration was performed to very high standards using the finest materials, historic references, and accurate finishes to properly honor the legacy of these fine cars. All mechanical systems were restored as needed including the Wilson pre-select transmission. A new top, headliner, leather interior, and carpeting were installed in both the interior and luggage areas. On the exterior, all trim (formed in brass and chrome plated) was refinished to show level condition. Documented extensively through the restoration process, numerous pages covering all aspects of the process, parts, and correspondences accompany the car.

After the restoration was completed, the next owner purchased the car in 2019 and performed additional work including an overhaul of the transmission and clutch and the installation of a new leather interior, changing the color from red to its current tan. Additional work performed at that time also included selective re-chroming, detailing, and freshening of various cosmetic components.

Today this Talbot-Lago must be counted as one of the most elegant open cars from this remarkable era. Sumptuously appointed, the design, elegance, and engineering prowess rank alongside great Art Deco cars like Bugatti, Delage, and Delahaye. Chassis no. 93615 represents a rare opportunity to acquire a fine example of one of the most prized collectible European classics. The current condition throughout is beautiful, featuring mirror finish black paint, excellent panel fit, and perfectly restored delicate chrome trim. The exterior of the car is both elegant and sporty with dark red wire wheels and grille bars hinting at the Talbot-Lago racing lineage. The beautifully sculpted fenders and running board drape the low cowl and hood lines, detailed with a full-length body line dipping down at the rear fender, enhanced by polished rear fender stone guards. The sporty nature of this graceful Talbo-Lago is transformed into an elegant coach when the top is elevated and latched into position. The polished landau bars add a welcome formality to the closed configuration, creating a forward sweep juxtaposed with the raked grille, wire wheels and forward swept cowl line. Elegant and refined, this Talbot-Lago serves both purposes – sport and elegance.

The dashboard features an impressive array of restored Jaeger instruments, polished switches, and a glistening black and chrome steering wheel. The level of detail and execution in the interior is simply spectacular. The front seats are roomy and comfortable, welcoming long-distance driving with buoyant comfort. Rear seats are spacious and suitable for travelling guests, offering a fold-down center armrest and elegant grab bars positioned on the inner door panels.

Under the long and beautifully louvered mirror black hood lies the amazing and original 4-Liter engine. Here, the restoration once again distinguishes itself with an impressive assortment of mechanical details properly executed reflecting period correct finishes. This Talbot-Lago engine and mechanical components have been properly treated to reflect period-correct finishes without compromise. The undercarriage further confirms the restoration was not limited to the immediately visible features and details as the frame, suspension, fuel and brake lines, and brake drums are all reflective of the same high level of excellence exhibited throughout the car.

This beautiful Talbot-Lago is not limited to cosmetic excellence as it starts easily, idles smoothly and offers ready operation. Gear selection for the 4-speed is cleverly managed via pre-select levers located on the steering column. Once underway, though a large car with impressive presence, it delivers excellent visibility, responsive steering, and a smooth ride. Power from the 4-Liter engine is quite good given the scale of this four-passenger vehicle. Highway speeds are stable and smooth with braking from the four-wheel drums is quite good once familiar with the pedal response. Best of all, this elegant touring Cabriolet can be used for numerous motoring events due to the spacious seating capacity allowing for friends and family to join in vintage celebrations, concours events, or weekend drives to local shows. This Talbot-Lago is accompanied by documentation including ownership papers, a photo album with numerous images showing the detailed restoration, and receipts for services and restoration performed on the car by the Swiss masters Autosattlerei-Reusser.

Elegant and stunning by any measure, this long wheelbase Talbot-Lago T23 Cabriolet “Major” represents one of the finest factory coachbuilt designs of the prewar era. Among the most desirable French sporting automobiles ever built, the 4-Liter Major stands as a singular opportunity for a collector to drive, show or simply admire this exceptional car for the combined artistry, handcrafting, superb engineering, and restoration excellence.

Please contact Jason at +1-206-355-7727 or Hans at +1-425-417-5877 for more information on this vehicle.