Recently, I explored the past of a specific Talbot-Lago T150 C Lago Spéciale Teardrop Coupé, chassis no. 90034, which possesses a fascinating backstory intertwined with prominent individuals and historic occurrences. This vehicle isn’t merely an automobile; it’s a work of art and a fragment of history melded into one.
The narrative of the car commences with Luigi Chinetti, a figure closely associated with racing and automotive advancement. Prior to establishing himself as Ferrari’s initial importer in North America, Chinetti played a pivotal role in vending this very Talbot-Lago in France, subsequent to his tenure as a mechanic for Alfa Romeo’s racing squad. The purchaser, Antoine Schumann, served as a banker and amateur racer who swapped his Bugatti Type 50 for this vehicle in 1938. Schumann likely opted for this car due to his admiration for its design and quality, a choice that now seems almost prophetic given the enduring charm of the car.
The design of the Talbot-Lago, fashioned by Figoni et Falaschi, exudes grace and practical artistry. Featuring an elongated wheelbase, it enabled a lengthier, sleeker, and wider body that was groundbreaking for its era. Noteworthy customized elements included standalone headlights, a retractable sunroof, and a distinct chrome trim on the body sides, distinguishing it in terms of both style and substance.
The advent of World War II brought upheaval to Schumann and his cherished car. As the Nazis overran France, Schumann concealed the car and fled to Egypt to join the French Resistance. Following the war, he returned to a transformed Europe and passed away at 50. The Talbot-Lago reemerged under the ownership of Frédéric Damman, who demonstrated its endurance and elegance in the 1948 edition of Belgium’s 24 Hours of Spa, clinching victory in its category.
Across the years, this Talbot-Lago exchanged hands amongst various esteemed individuals, each contributing to its heritage before it was acquired by John O’Quinn in 2005. O’Quinn initiated an extensive restoration to revive it to its original splendor, conserving its initial bodywork and interiors.
