Talbot-Lago T120 Major – 1939 - Lot 21

Talbot-Lago T120 Major – 1939 French historic registration title SANS RÉSERVE Founded in 1903 by Adolphe Clément-Bayard and Charles Chetwynd under the name Clément-Talbot, the company was bought by Darracq after the First World War. The manufacturer only became Talbot in 1922. In 1935, after the bankruptcy of Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq, Italian engineer Anthony Lago took control of the French branch of the company, while the English branch, bought by Rootes, became Sunbeam Talbot, then Sunbeam. Due to the economic crisis, Talbot had to offer more modest models. The T120 was one of the first models developed under the authority of Anthony Lago, who took over at Talbot in 1934, with a 3-litre inline 6-cylinder engine developed by Walter Becchia, a former Fiat engineer, producing 90 hp and coupled to a Wilson 4-speed preselective gearbox. The designation Major refers to the longer wheelbase. The car featured on these pages is a stunning aubergine-coloured T 120 Major. According to information provided by its former owner, it was delivered new on 2 May 1939 in Geneva. It was then sold in 1971, then again in 1980 and 2008, before its current owner acquired it through Aguttes in 2015. It has therefore only had five owners and its mileage of 66,000 km could well be original. The car was completely restored in Switzerland in the 1980s over a period of several years. All elements of the car have been restored, from the bodywork to the mechanics, not forgetting the upholstery, which has been redone with wool fabric in keeping with the original. The car is now in excellent condition. The 6-cylinder engine, which has been out of service for several years, will need to be restarted and serviced. Despite its ‘statutory’ length, this Talbot retains a dynamic line, partly due to its lowered chassis. The famous flat, sloping Talbot grille is a hallmark of the quality of the workmanship. This Talbot will captivate you with its build quality, class and comfort.