1938 Talbot-Lago T150

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys The Monterey Auction event, 13 - 15 August 2026.
$550,000 - $750,000 USD

• One of the ultimate French sporting chassis of its era
• Sought-after body design, inspired by Joseph Figoni
• Beautiful restoration in striking colors and trim
• Formerly owned by the noted collectors Peter Mullin and Bill Marriott
• A CCCA Full Classic

For the second generation of its potent competition-bred T150-C chassis, Talbot-Lago turned to the inspiration of Joseph Figoni, the renowned coachbuilder who produced some of the most outstanding works on their automobiles. Based upon the Figoni-bodied cabriolet shown on Talbots stand at the October 1934 Paris Salon, the body had exceptionally smooth, clean lines, with a beltline picked out using delicate chrome work, and a convertible top that folded nearly flush with the rear deck, emphasizing grace of line without occupying too much luggage room.

According to a prior owner, historian Nicolas Maier noted that this particular T150-C cabriolet, chassis number 90039, was originally delivered in Paris, wearing registration 2125 RM 3, issued on 1 August 1939. Its next known owner, Francois Lugeon, a Swiss businessman and diplomat residing at the Hotel Ruhl in Nice, registered the car as 5832 BA 8, after which it was exported to the United States it is believed through the auspices of either Luigi Chinetti, at the time the post-war Talbot-Lago agent, or West Coast impresario Otto Zippers Precision Motor Cars, also a noted purveyor of coachbuilt French exotica in the early post-war years.

The car is understood to have been owned during the 1960s by the legendary American sportsman Briggs Cunningham, who sold it to Classic Car Club of America member Wilbur F. Sanders of Dearborn, Michigan, listed as the cars owner in Tony Carrolls 1976 Talbot-Lago register. It was later acquired by noted French automobile collector Peter Mullin, then passed to J. Willard Bill Marriott, and finally to a Swiss collector. When sold in 2013 it was missing its engine but otherwise largely solid and intact, retaining its marvelous Figoni-designed rounded and streamlined radiator shell and other unique details.

Between 2012 and 2016, a complete restoration was undertaken by the Dutch firm of Hoffes Restoration Management, in reportedly the original hue, Bleu Narval, and with an engine rebuilt by the noted specialist Jim Stokes, using a replacement T23 block identical to the original T150 unit and a new T150 cylinder head provided by Karolina of Prague. Afterward the car remained for some time in a Dutch collection, before joining the stable of its present owner. It is accompanied by a photograph documenting the restoration.

An exceptional Full Classic Talbot, ideal for any number of vintage tours and rallies, this is a splendid example of the French sporting automobile at its most rakish and high-performance best.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo26/.