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Topic starter
17/10/2024 4:05 am
Talbot-Lago T-23 Chassis Nº 93041 was originally commissioned from Figoni et Falaschi by the Standard Oil heiress, Beatrice Cartwright, and was first presented by her at the April 1938 Concours d’Elegance, Nice, where it won Grand Prix d’Honeur.
Sometimes referred to as the ‘Coupe Royale’ and also as the ‘Baby 3-Litre’, It is the only New York style, (design 9220) Talbot-Lago mounted on the smaller T-23 chassis and thus, has the smaller engine. All other examples being mounted on the T-150 Chassis. It is also the sole New York style with free-standing, chromed Marchal headlamps known today.
By at least 1948, it was to be found in the USA, where Bob Gegen, an official at the Sports Car Club of America, located it in the mews of one of the grand, Palm Beach mansions from where, after some while of negotiation, he was able to purchase it.
The car was exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art’s, now iconic, autumn 1951 exhibition ‘Eight Great Automobiles’: photographs from which we see below, evidently having undergone a repaint by this point.
Thereafter, it passed through various hands, being used as a regular transport: at one point involved in a race on Western Avenue, against some kids in a Hudson, “and leaving it in the dust”. And later having its front end damaged in a minor accident. The owner wrote to Figoni requesting a new grille, and on being informed the car was a unique, hand-built model, so would need to be shipped back to France to have a new grille made, it remained without; making-do with a wire mesh alternative.
During the early 1960s the car was bought by John Jumer who had it disassembled in preparation for a complete restoration which did not happen. And then, bought by Joseph Cantore in 1998, the restoration finally took place. With Joseph Figoni assisting in meticulous research, it was faithfully restored to original specification, colour and condition; being invited to the 2001 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, winning the French Cup. In 2002 it was entered into the Meadow Brook Concours where it won Best in Class.
Below we see Talbot-Lago T-23 Chassis Nº 93041:
At April 1938 Nice Concours d’Elegance.
At MoMA 1951 exhibition ‘Eight Great Automobiles’.
As presents today.
1/43 Resin by Provence Miniatures
(As always I would be pleased for any corrections and/or comments).
17/10/2024 5:31 am
Excellent account! Baby is gorgeous! The 1/43rd model looks terrific. Very conservative color choice on Ms. Cartwright's part but they do show off the car's exquisite lines! Thanks Charles!
17/10/2024 6:30 am
Thanks for the writeup and pictures Charles. Older cars always have such interesting histories.
Topic starter
17/10/2024 7:23 am
@perrone1 I agree Tony, I think this grey & green is my favourite colour scheme on these Talbot, though the two-tone blue always works well, of course.
17/10/2024 9:36 am
A beautiful car.
Ed Davis
Inverness, Illinois, USA
17/10/2024 1:53 pm
Another Beauty Charles. Was unaware of the T-23 chassis. Another Thursday classic and well worth the wait. Thank you.
Models = Miracles in miniature = Holding History in ones hand
Cheers and Happy Collecting,
Steve
Topic starter
17/10/2024 2:46 pm
@bob-jackman & @stewil Thank-you Bob and Steve for your encouraging comments 🤙.
Tony Perrone reacted
17/10/2024 2:54 pm
A great-looking automobile and model. Very nice !
Tony Perrone and Charles Rockett reacted
17/10/2024 3:59 pm
I'm really enjoying all this dialogue on these beautiful cars.
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
Charles Rockett and Tony Perrone reacted
Topic starter
17/10/2024 4:13 pm
@jkuvakas They're certainly interesting cars, John. The mass-produced cars - notably American - are super interesting in their design; marketing; successes and sadly at times, failures. But these bespoke items have a more individual interest factor.
Tony Perrone and John Kuvakas reacted
