1937 | Talbot-Lago T11

• The Gentleman’s Talbot
• High standard restoration
• Recently fully rebuild engine
• One of the last T11 chassis to be produced
• Extremely elegant body, the kind of car that captures attention and admiration wherever it goes, impossible to ignore by any true enthusiast
• A 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS, also known as the “Teardrop,” was auctioned at Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island on March 4, 2022, selling for $13.425 million. This record-breaking reinforced the marque’s legendary status in the world of collector automobiles

In the early days of the 20th century, when the automobile was still a daring experiment and not yet a part of everyday life, a new name began to take shape on the roads of Europe: Talbot.

Founded in 1903 as a British-French collaboration, Talbot began producing elegant, reliable cars that quickly gained attention for their refinement.

By the 1920s, Talbot had developed a reputation for quality engineering and tasteful design. But while the name was respected, it hadn’t yet reached greatness.

That turning point came in the early 1930s, when an Italian engineer named Antonio (Anthony) Lago stepped into the picture.

Lago wasn’t just a businessman, he was a visionary. He believed that cars were an expression of art, speed, and ambition.

In 1934, during a time of economic hardship and industry uncertainty, Lago took control of the struggling French branch of Talbot.

From that moment, Talbot became Talbot-Lago, and everything changed.

Under his leadership, the company focused on two things: luxury grand touring cars and competitive racing vehicles.

Their cars were fast, reliable, and beautiful. The engines, especially the 4-liter straight-six, were powerful and smooth.

He surrounded himself with some of the best minds in the industry, and partnered with legendary coachbuilders like Figoni & Falaschi, whose designs transformed cars into rolling sculptures.

Three new chassis with different wheelbases would be emerging, with T11, T15, T17 and T23 engines. Powered by a 6-cylinder 2 litre engine, the T11 model is fitted onto the smallest chassis and features in the catalogue until the 1937 model.

In 1937 Talbot-Lago introduced what would become one of the most iconic cars in automotive history: the Talbot-Lago T150-C SS.

Designed for both the road and the racetrack, it was a masterpiece of aerodynamics and style.

Its curvaceous “teardrop” body, shaped by Figoni & Falaschi, captured the spirit of the Art Deco era while hinting at the future of automotive design.

Despite its high quality cars, Talbot-Lago struggled for postwar survival along with other prewar marques such as Hotchkiss and Delahaye, and production ceased when Simca took over during 1959. (Simca was subsequently taken over by Chrysler, who gained a controlling share in 1963, and rebranded the business as Chrysler France in 1970).

Talbot-Lagos have become a top-prized car at various auctions. A 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS, also known as the “Teardrop,” was auctioned at Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island event on March 4, 2022, selling for a record-breaking $13.425 million.

TALBOT-LAGO T11: “The Gentleman’s Talbot”

In 1937, while Talbot-Lago was winning hearts with race cars and teardrop masterpieces, another model quietly made its mark: the T11.

Powered by a 1.5-liter engine and dressed in elegant coachbuilt bodies, the T11 wasn’t designed to conquer racetracks, it was made for refined touring, for winding French roads and weekend escapes.

It was the Talbot for those who valued style and engineering in equal measure, without the flash.

Artists, doctors, and quiet romantics chose the T11.
A car that carried the spirit of Talbot-Lago in its most graceful, understated form.

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

This 1937 Talbot-Lago T11 Cabriolet is a rare and distinguished example from the final year of T11 production, a model known for its refined engineering and understated elegance.

Delivered new in Yvelines, northern France, this particular chassis is believed to be one of the last T11s built, and it features an unusual and factory-assembled cabriolet body that anticipates the design elements of the upcoming 1938 model.

Due to the destruction of Talbot-Lago’s production records during World War II, the exact origins of this body style remain undocumented. However, the combination of late chassis production and advanced styling strongly suggests that it may have been a special request by a private client or an experimental design prepared by the factory itself.

It is in this form that the car was acquired from Mr Duverne in the early 1990s by the father of a former owner, who then managed the CZMIL workshops, specialized in aeronautical equipment and mechanics.

At the time, the car’s bodywork was in poor condition, prompting a complete, high-quality restoration to original specifications.

The restoration involved a full rebuild of the body using period-correct methods and great attention to detail, resulting in a faithful recreation of the car’s original appearance.

Today, the car remains in beautiful condition, both mechanically and aesthetically, and offers a rare opportunity to own a uniquely bodied Talbot-Lago from the marque’s most creative and expressive era.

While it may not wear the racing pedigree of its larger siblings, this T11 tells a quieter story of craftsmanship and enduring French elegance.
The Talbot benefits from a very recent engine rebuild in Holland finished in 2025.

CONDITION EXTERIOR

The exterior of this 1937 Talbot-Lago T11 Cabriolet is presented in excellent condition, reflecting the high-quality restoration it underwent.

The coachwork displays a flawless finish with smooth, well-aligned body panels that perfectly preserve the original lines and elegant curves of the car.

The paintwork is immaculately applied, showing a deep, even gloss with no visible signs of cracking, fading, or overspray.

Chrome trim and brightwork have been carefully restored or replaced, exhibiting a bright, corrosion-free shine that enhances the car’s classic aesthetic.

All exterior fittings, including headlights, door handles, windshield frame, and convertible top mechanisms are in excellent working order and maintain their period-correct appearance.

The convertible soft top fabric is either well-preserved or has been replaced with historically accurate material, fitting snugly without sagging or tears.

The wheels and tires complement the car’s overall look, showing no signs of damage or wear inconsistent with careful use and storage.

Behind the wheel covers are wired wheels so the car can easily be changed from an elegant style to a more sporty style by taking away the wheel covers.

Overall, the car’s exterior presents beautifully and demonstrates the meticulous care and respect it has received throughout its life, making it a standout example of pre-war French coachbuilding.

CONDITION INTERIOR

During the restoration, the former owner choose for a beautiful Beige interior which combines absolutely fantastic with the blue exterior color.

It gives the car a finishing touch and it turns the car even more into a piece of art.

The interior has been restored at high standard and the result is absolutely amazing.

Amongst the quality of the interior, the details need a small description as this car is actually very dangerous to drive.

It is almost impossible to keep you eyes on the road as the meters and knobs/buttons are all so nice.

The dashboard seems to be simple but less is more and the design of this dashboard is absolutely stunning.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

When the key of the Talbot is turned, the engine reveals its strong, confident heartbeat.

The power in the car is excellent, thanks to its relatively low weight of just 1,500 kg, the car delivers speed and responsiveness, making every drive feel alive with energy.

The transmission complements the engine beautifully, offering smooth and precise gear changes.

Refined along with a breathtaking elegance, and not to forget a high level restoration, this superb convertible is the kind of car that captures attention and admiration wherever it goes, impossible to ignore by any true enthusiast.

Over the years, Talbot-Lago has earned its place among the most coveted classic cars at auction.

One of the finest examples, a 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C-SS, also known as the “Teardrop,” was auctioned at Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island event on March 4, 2022, selling for $13.425 million.

This record-breaking moment reinforced the marque’s legendary status in the world of collector automobiles.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes