1938 Talbot-Lago T150C ‘Lago Spéciale’
Factory-built coachwork distinguished the T150C from many pre-war French luxury cars that relied on independent carrossiers.
Anthony Lago maintained Talbot’s proprietary coachbuilding facility at Suresnes, producing both cabriolet and coupé bodies on the Lago Spéciale chassis. Only 51 examples were constructed between 1935 and 1939.
The 1938 second-series bodies featured a chrome strip replacing the earlier beltline treatment, creating cleaner flanks. Buyers could specify either the traditional Talbot grille or a more aerodynamic design associated with Joseph Figoni.
The 4.0-liter hemispherical-head inline six used a single camshaft high up in the block with crossed pushrods to operate inclined overhead valves.
With triple Stromberg carburetors, output ranged from about 140 bhp in standard road trim to roughly 160 bhp in competition specification. Power was transmitted through a Wilson pre-selector four-speed gearbox.
Competition results helped establish the model’s reputation. The T150C scored a third overall at the 1937 24 Hours of Le Mans, along with strong performances in Tourist Trophy competition and notable success in long-distance rallies such as the Monte Carlo Rally.
Source
