Talbot-Lago Coupé Typ 150 C-SS Figoni & Falaschi "Teardrop" schwarz CMC M-166

A dream car featuring a “teardrop” body that remains unrivalled in elegance and styling since it was sired by the coach-building virtuosos Figoni & Falaschi.  

Many experts around the world would agree that this car belongs in a category of its own due to its styling that transcends the common sense of automobile aesthetics.

The T150 C-SS had such an avant-garde appearance that it virtually gave the illusion of coming from a different planet. The car qualified as a masterpiece of what we would call “state of the art” today. When it debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 1937, spectators were literally struck breathless. Soon the French term “goutte d’eau“ was adopted in reference to the car, but it was its English translation “teardrop” that became widely used. This epithet, whether in English or French, did great justice to the extraordinary looks and configuration of the vehicle.

Everything about this car, down to its minute details, testifies to a love to the degree of an obsession for the beauty of shape in motion. Each curve and line alignment blend into each other without appearing obtrusive. From the sleek front fenders to the chrome-plated exhaust tail pipes, the vehicle forms a harmonious whole. In addition, it is equipped with a metal sunroof -- a luxury rarely seen back then -- and a plush interior decked out in classy woodwork and fine-grained leather.

In 1937 Anthony Lago signed a contract of exclusive cooperation with the already world-famous French coach-builder Giuseppe Figoni and his partner Ovidio Falaschi, and it led to the birth of a top-of-the-line model known as “Teardrop-Coupé“,  which was marketed between 1937 and 1939 with 16 units eventually manufactured. Each car was unique, either with differences that were barely perceptible or with detailing that was eye-catching. A good place to look is the arrangement of the headlights, which are either mounted all by themselves between the radiator grille and the fenders or recessed behind chromed metal-rod covers that are embedded in the front end. 

The first production series yielded 5 units, which were named after the production manager to be known as “Jean cart“. 3 of these 5 units were mounted on a T 150 C-SS chassis with a short wheel base of 2,650 mm. Launched in 1937 at the New York Motor Show, the second production series yielded 11 units, all of which were fitted on a T 150 C-SS chassis with a short wheel base of 2,650 mm. This series entered the annals of Talbot-Lago as “New York Style” model.

A Note on the Automotive Technology Involved:

Anthony Lago and his chief engineer Walter Breccia were technologically ahead of their time. Above all, credit should go to their innovative design, which enabled the production of a shortened and lightweight T 150 C-SS chassis. Further technical highlights of this extraordinary vehicle included single-wheel suspensions, a Wilson 4-speed preselector gearbox, excellent breaks, and a wonderfully smooth-running 4-liter 6 cylinder in-line engine, which delivered, depending on the model, an output between 140 and 160 hp.

Because of this outstanding engine with powerful torque and the very good acceleration it provided, the “Teardrop Coupé” was also predestinated for racing sports. It was small wonder that a “Teardrop“ won a superb 3rd place in overall standings  at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1938.

CMC is introducing three high-end replicas of the “Teardrop-Coupé “ in its contemporary appearances: one standard version that is finished in light blue with a red leather interior, one finished in silver and red with a red leather interior, and one finished in black with a beige leather interior. The two non-standard versions are each limited to 1,500 pcs worldwide.