Cars 1938-39
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Cars II Cars 1930s Alfa Romeo Mercedes-Benz French cars
Chronology : 1938 1939
See also : Cars II Cars 1930s Alfa Romeo Mercedes-Benz French cars
Chronology : 1938 1939
Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B
1
1938
2019 SOLD for € 16.7M by Artcurial
At the time of totalitarianism, motor racing became a major showcase of high-tech know-how. To compete with the Silver Arrows, Alfa Romeo develops a stiffened chassis and an independent suspension with which it equips the Tipo C for the grand prix and the 6C 2300 B for grand touring. Introduced in 1935 the 8C 2900 A targets the endurance racing.
In Milan also, Carrozzeria Touring patented its Superleggera technology : after advanced aerodynamic studies, this company offers all-metal bodies, a novelty at that time.
In 1937 Touring designs two bodies for the new 8C 2900 B : a spider for the short chassis and a berlinetta for the long chassis. The closed cockpit allows a body made entirely of aluminum unlike the spider which requires reinforcements in steel. For this reason the spider is heavier than the coupe. It will also be built for the long chassis.
The total population of 8C 2900 B Touring berlinettas is five units. The second, built in 1938, is titled 1939, the date of its registration in the United Kingdom. It was used sparingly except for a brief period in the 1950s and was carefully maintained by its successive owners without ever being disassembled.
Remaining since 1976 in a single collection, it was sold for € 16.7M by Artcurial on February 8, 2019, lot 20. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Two other 8C 2900 B berlinettas were awarded the highly prestigious Best Of Show of Pebble Beach's Concours d'Elegance, in 2008 and 2018 respectively.
In Milan also, Carrozzeria Touring patented its Superleggera technology : after advanced aerodynamic studies, this company offers all-metal bodies, a novelty at that time.
In 1937 Touring designs two bodies for the new 8C 2900 B : a spider for the short chassis and a berlinetta for the long chassis. The closed cockpit allows a body made entirely of aluminum unlike the spider which requires reinforcements in steel. For this reason the spider is heavier than the coupe. It will also be built for the long chassis.
The total population of 8C 2900 B Touring berlinettas is five units. The second, built in 1938, is titled 1939, the date of its registration in the United Kingdom. It was used sparingly except for a brief period in the 1950s and was carefully maintained by its successive owners without ever being disassembled.
Remaining since 1976 in a single collection, it was sold for € 16.7M by Artcurial on February 8, 2019, lot 20. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Two other 8C 2900 B berlinettas were awarded the highly prestigious Best Of Show of Pebble Beach's Concours d'Elegance, in 2008 and 2018 respectively.
2
1939 Lungo
2016 SOLD for $ 19.8M by RM Sotheby's
Under the direct control of the Italian government, Alfa Romeo improves the performance of its luxury and sports cars throughout the 1930s. The 6-cylinder version (6C) grows in several stages from 1750 to 2500 cc. Aimed at the high end, the 8-cylinder version (8C), created in 1931 with 2300 cc, is fitted with 2900 cc from 1935. The 8C 2900B is available in two lengths from 1937 : Corto and Lungo.
Alfa Romeo has special relationships with two body shops that offer dissimilar products. A 8C 2900B assembled by Pinin Farina in cabriolet was sold for $ 4.1M by Christie's on August 28, 1999, a great price for that time.
In Milan, Carrozzeria Touring patented in 1936 theSuperleggera technology. Alfa Romeo actively supports this development that must enable its Lungo variant to compete advantageously with the too massive Mercedes-Benz 540K. The war interrupted this activity. Note however that in 1939 Alfa Romeo is already offering the features that will make the success of sports cars after the war: the spider from as early as 1931, and the berlinetta.
On August 20, 2016, RM Sotheby's sold as lot 234 for $ 19.8M the culmination of this evolution : an 8C 2900B Lungo bodied in spider superleggera by Touring.
The authenticity of this car is the result of patient and painstaking work by the best specialists of the brand. The oldest traces of its eventful existence date back to the early 1950s in South America. As often, this car had been dismantled by owners seeking the best combination for their cars in competition.
In 1994, convinced that chassis 412041 and body 2027 may come from the same original car, the collector Sam Mann, passionate about automotive engineering, acquires both. The reassembly proves him right : the positions of the bolt holes are consistent, resulting from the work done by Touring workmen around 1939. Despite the extreme rarity of this model, Mann was able to complete this work by assembling an engine and a fuel pump from the original 8C 2900B series.
Please watch the video shared by Sotheby's TV and another videoshared by RM introducing five vehicles from the Mann collection.
Alfa Romeo has special relationships with two body shops that offer dissimilar products. A 8C 2900B assembled by Pinin Farina in cabriolet was sold for $ 4.1M by Christie's on August 28, 1999, a great price for that time.
In Milan, Carrozzeria Touring patented in 1936 theSuperleggera technology. Alfa Romeo actively supports this development that must enable its Lungo variant to compete advantageously with the too massive Mercedes-Benz 540K. The war interrupted this activity. Note however that in 1939 Alfa Romeo is already offering the features that will make the success of sports cars after the war: the spider from as early as 1931, and the berlinetta.
On August 20, 2016, RM Sotheby's sold as lot 234 for $ 19.8M the culmination of this evolution : an 8C 2900B Lungo bodied in spider superleggera by Touring.
The authenticity of this car is the result of patient and painstaking work by the best specialists of the brand. The oldest traces of its eventful existence date back to the early 1950s in South America. As often, this car had been dismantled by owners seeking the best combination for their cars in competition.
In 1994, convinced that chassis 412041 and body 2027 may come from the same original car, the collector Sam Mann, passionate about automotive engineering, acquires both. The reassembly proves him right : the positions of the bolt holes are consistent, resulting from the work done by Touring workmen around 1939. Despite the extreme rarity of this model, Mann was able to complete this work by assembling an engine and a fuel pump from the original 8C 2900B series.
Please watch the video shared by Sotheby's TV and another videoshared by RM introducing five vehicles from the Mann collection.
1938 Talbot-Lago Goutte d'Eau
Intro
An Italian-born coachbuilder working in Boulogne-sur-Seine, Giuseppe Figoni associates in 1935 with the businessman Ovidio Falaschi. This co-operation allows Figoni to devote entirely to his art, perhaps with some support from the automotive artist Géo Ham.
In 1935 also, Bugatti introduces at the Salon de l'Auto a prototype named "Aérolithe". The quest for obtaining high speed from aerodynamic features have led to a style all in curves, with a semi-spheric cockpit. The catalogued model will be the Bugatti Atlantic, made in three units in 1936.
At the same time, two new high-end chassis appear on the French market : the Type 135 by Delahaye and the T150 by the newly incorporated Talbot-Lago. Each of them is also available in a short wheel base version specifically designed for competition.
Figoni et Falaschi developed for these two types a range of bodies unique in their kind known as Goutte d'eau for the teardrop shape of the inner contour. This rolling work of art is indeed contemporary with the culmination of the Parisian Art Déco style.
In 1935 also, Bugatti introduces at the Salon de l'Auto a prototype named "Aérolithe". The quest for obtaining high speed from aerodynamic features have led to a style all in curves, with a semi-spheric cockpit. The catalogued model will be the Bugatti Atlantic, made in three units in 1936.
At the same time, two new high-end chassis appear on the French market : the Type 135 by Delahaye and the T150 by the newly incorporated Talbot-Lago. Each of them is also available in a short wheel base version specifically designed for competition.
Figoni et Falaschi developed for these two types a range of bodies unique in their kind known as Goutte d'eau for the teardrop shape of the inner contour. This rolling work of art is indeed contemporary with the culmination of the Parisian Art Déco style.
1
T150-C SS Coupe
2022 SOLD for $ 7.3M by RM Sotheby's
The second batch of the teardrop coupe, unofficially referred as New York style, was fitted by Figoni et Falaschi in 1937 and 1938 on eleven Talbot-Lago chassis overall which were ten T150-C SS and one T23. Its Art Déco lines were purer than with the original batch of five in so called Jeancart style.
A T150-C SS New York style teardrop coupe was assembled on commission from a gentleman driver with a purpose of racing. Its special equipment included a pair of additional lights and a long range fuel tank. The chassis was made lower and longer for a purpose of aerodynamics. The ventilation of the cockpit was improved with an opening rear window and a one off heart-shaped sunroof.
Made in 1938, it entered the 1939 Le Mans 24 where it did not finish for an unreported reason : technical issue or disqualification. No other racing event is known in period.
It went out of view from the outbreak of the war and resurfaced in neglected condition without engine behind the German Iron curtain 50 years later. Fitted with a period correct Talbot-Lago engine and submitted to a six year careful restoration, it won some trophies at the 2010 Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza.
This car was sold for $ 7.3M by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2022, lot 243.
A T150-C SS New York style teardrop coupe was assembled on commission from a gentleman driver with a purpose of racing. Its special equipment included a pair of additional lights and a long range fuel tank. The chassis was made lower and longer for a purpose of aerodynamics. The ventilation of the cockpit was improved with an opening rear window and a one off heart-shaped sunroof.
Made in 1938, it entered the 1939 Le Mans 24 where it did not finish for an unreported reason : technical issue or disqualification. No other racing event is known in period.
It went out of view from the outbreak of the war and resurfaced in neglected condition without engine behind the German Iron curtain 50 years later. Fitted with a period correct Talbot-Lago engine and submitted to a six year careful restoration, it won some trophies at the 2010 Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza.
This car was sold for $ 7.3M by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2022, lot 243.
2
T150-C SS Cabriolet
2013 SOLD for $ 7.15M by RM Auctions
The open body Talbot-Lago T150-C SS teardrop cabriolet is the rarest and most spectacular coachwork made by Figoni et Falaschi. Made in 1938 and painted in cream color, one of them was sold for $ 7.15M on November 21, 2013 by RM Auctions, lot 122.
3
T150-C Lago Speciale Coupe
2010 SOLD for $ 4.6M by RM Auctions
16 Talbot-Lago cars were assembled with a Figoni et Falaschi teardrop, in two series. The first series was made of three on the T150-C SS chassis, one on the three-litre T23 chassis and one on the T150-C Lago Speciale 30 cm longer chassis. Four of them are remaining.
Made in 1938, the unique Talbot-Lago T150-C Lago Speciale teardrop coupe by Figoni et Falaschi was sold twice by RM Auctions, for $ 3.7M on August 20, 2005, lot 251, and for $ 4.6M on August 14, 2010, lot 359. The long chassis enabled to accommodate a third passenger. The car has a full size sliding sunroof. This Speciale had been purchased by its first owner for the very high price of 165,000 francs.
Also made in 1938, the unique T23 from the first teardrop series was sold twice by RM Auctions, for £ 1.8M on October 27, 2010, lot 187, and for $ 2.64M on August 17, 2012, lot 121.
Made in 1938, the unique Talbot-Lago T150-C Lago Speciale teardrop coupe by Figoni et Falaschi was sold twice by RM Auctions, for $ 3.7M on August 20, 2005, lot 251, and for $ 4.6M on August 14, 2010, lot 359. The long chassis enabled to accommodate a third passenger. The car has a full size sliding sunroof. This Speciale had been purchased by its first owner for the very high price of 165,000 francs.
Also made in 1938, the unique T23 from the first teardrop series was sold twice by RM Auctions, for £ 1.8M on October 27, 2010, lot 187, and for $ 2.64M on August 17, 2012, lot 121.
4
T150-C SS Coupe
2011 SOLD for € 3.14M by RM Auctions
A Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Goutte d'eau was sold for € 3.14M on May 21, 2011 by RM Auctions, lot 127.
Delivered in 1938, it has the short version of the chassis and the highly rare sunroof.
Delivered in 1938, it has the short version of the chassis and the highly rare sunroof.
1939 Talbot-Lago T150-C Aerocoupé
2008 SOLD for $ 4.8M by Bonhams
The Goutte d'Eau of Figoni et Falaschi had a follow in 1939 with another team. On the same chassis Talbot-Lago T150-C SS as the Goutte d'eau, Georges Paulin designed the Aerocoupé aiming to improve the aerodynamics for a purpose of racing. Four Aerocoupés were hand made by Marcel Pourtout.
One of them was certainly not finished when the war broke out. It surfaced after the war and was raced by Ecurie Nice in 1950 and 1951. It was sold for $ 4.8M by Bonhams on August 15, 2008, lot 330.
One of them was certainly not finished when the war broke out. It surfaced after the war and was raced by Ecurie Nice in 1950 and 1951. It was sold for $ 4.8M by Bonhams on August 15, 2008, lot 330.
1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K Spezial Roadster
2013 SOLD for $ 7.5M by RM Auctions
The luxury car began to adopt a more modern look in 1939, with Alfa Romeo and Mercedes-Benz. The war interrupted this appealing trend.
Completed in August 1939 on a special order and delivered to its owner in Berlin, a Mercedes-Benz 540K Spezial Roadster appears as the ultimate car of the most prestigious pre-war lineage.
It is equipped with the latest developments offered by Mercedes-Benz including the new five-speed transmission. Its one-off bodywork made in Sindelfingen marks the culmination of the aesthetic research aiming to bring to this massive two-seater roadster the same elegance as a sports car.
After the war it was used for a few years in East Berlin by Soviet diplomats and then transferred to Russia. It had become old-fashioned and was likely to be abandoned when an amateur managed to smuggle it into Sweden in 1967. After these adventures, its condition remains remarkably authentic with its original body and equipment including chassis and engine in matching numbers.
It was sold three times by RM. On August 20, 2011, then one of the five Mercedes-Benz demonstrating masterfully the evolution of the high-end of this brand from 1935 to 1939, it was sold for $ 4.6M. The pre sale release shared by Sports Car Digest illustrates these five wonders.
It was sold for $ 7.5M by RM Auctions on August 16, 2013, and for $ 6.6M by RM Sotheby's on January 20, 2017, lot 258.
Completed in August 1939 on a special order and delivered to its owner in Berlin, a Mercedes-Benz 540K Spezial Roadster appears as the ultimate car of the most prestigious pre-war lineage.
It is equipped with the latest developments offered by Mercedes-Benz including the new five-speed transmission. Its one-off bodywork made in Sindelfingen marks the culmination of the aesthetic research aiming to bring to this massive two-seater roadster the same elegance as a sports car.
After the war it was used for a few years in East Berlin by Soviet diplomats and then transferred to Russia. It had become old-fashioned and was likely to be abandoned when an amateur managed to smuggle it into Sweden in 1967. After these adventures, its condition remains remarkably authentic with its original body and equipment including chassis and engine in matching numbers.
It was sold three times by RM. On August 20, 2011, then one of the five Mercedes-Benz demonstrating masterfully the evolution of the high-end of this brand from 1935 to 1939, it was sold for $ 4.6M. The pre sale release shared by Sports Car Digest illustrates these five wonders.
It was sold for $ 7.5M by RM Auctions on August 16, 2013, and for $ 6.6M by RM Sotheby's on January 20, 2017, lot 258.
1939 Horch
2012 SOLD for $ 5.2M by RM Auctions
It was ambitious to compete with Mercedes-Benz high-end in the late 1930s. This is however what was tried by another German brand, Horch, which was part of the Auto Union co-operation. The models of these two companies have remained conjointly in the memory of the enthusiasts of automobile beauties through the nickname "Silver Arrows".
The Horch 853, designed in 1938, is much rarer than the Mercedes 540K. Aesthetically, the Special Roadster variants of these two models are very similar. Horch, which did not have the industrial capability of Mercedes, banked on the extreme minuteness of the details. The 853 was in its time one of the most expensive cars in the world.
Besides the two prototypes that preceded it, the Horch 853 Special Roadster "second series" was produced in five units.
The first did not please Göring and was dismantled. One of them is in a state museum, and the latest of the series is not located.
The Horch sold for $ 5.2M by RM Auctions on August 17, 2012 is exceptional. It is photographed in the fourteenth position on the page devoted by Sports Car Digest to many wonders of this auction.
This car made in 1939 was extensively restored by RM Auto Restoration with an extreme care to use original equipment and components. This operation which lasted two years has resulted in one of the most coveted awards : it was judged Best of Show of the 2004 Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach.
The fifth unit had also restored by a less skilled team. It was sold for £ 1.13M by RM Auctions on October 29, 2008.
The Horch 853, designed in 1938, is much rarer than the Mercedes 540K. Aesthetically, the Special Roadster variants of these two models are very similar. Horch, which did not have the industrial capability of Mercedes, banked on the extreme minuteness of the details. The 853 was in its time one of the most expensive cars in the world.
Besides the two prototypes that preceded it, the Horch 853 Special Roadster "second series" was produced in five units.
The first did not please Göring and was dismantled. One of them is in a state museum, and the latest of the series is not located.
The Horch sold for $ 5.2M by RM Auctions on August 17, 2012 is exceptional. It is photographed in the fourteenth position on the page devoted by Sports Car Digest to many wonders of this auction.
This car made in 1939 was extensively restored by RM Auto Restoration with an extreme care to use original equipment and components. This operation which lasted two years has resulted in one of the most coveted awards : it was judged Best of Show of the 2004 Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach.
The fifth unit had also restored by a less skilled team. It was sold for £ 1.13M by RM Auctions on October 29, 2008.
1939 Alfa Romeo Tipo 256
2014 SOLD for $ 4M by Gooding
Alfa Romeo developed in parallel two product lines for competition, in 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder. The engine volume increases over the years, for the 6C from 1.5 liters in 1926 to 2.5 liters in 1939.
In 1939, the new rules of competition no longer favor the supercharged cars that had built the glory of Alfa Romeo. The Italian manufacturer adapts its new 6C 2500 chassis to create a Super Sport model, also known as Tipo 256.
Twenty Tipo 256 are manufactured simultaneously. They aim to be used in race by both teams sponsored by Alfa Romeo, the Alfa Corse and the Scuderia Ferrari, some cars being also promised to their best customers including the Duce, Benito Mussolini. Note that the recent creation of the Alfa Corse competing with the Scuderia is one of the causes of the final quarrel between Enzo Ferrari and Alfa Romeo.
Some customers prefer to have the Tipo 256 as a cabriolet. One of these cars rebodied in July 1939 by Pinin Farina was perhaps the most expensive Italian car of its time.
Pinin Farina had probably entrusted the design of this one of its kind Alfa Romeo to the most innovative stylist of his time, Count Mario Revelli de Beaumont. Certainly very proud of this masterpiece, Pinin Farina published it as an ad in the July 1940 issue of the Auto Italiana magazine.
This particular car is a true precursor of the admirable postwar Italian cars. Piero Dusio, who created Cisitalia in 1946, owned it from 1940 to 1946.
Well preserved, the Tipo 256 bodied by Pinin Farina was sold for $ 4M by Gooding on August 17, 2014, lot 144.
In 1939, the new rules of competition no longer favor the supercharged cars that had built the glory of Alfa Romeo. The Italian manufacturer adapts its new 6C 2500 chassis to create a Super Sport model, also known as Tipo 256.
Twenty Tipo 256 are manufactured simultaneously. They aim to be used in race by both teams sponsored by Alfa Romeo, the Alfa Corse and the Scuderia Ferrari, some cars being also promised to their best customers including the Duce, Benito Mussolini. Note that the recent creation of the Alfa Corse competing with the Scuderia is one of the causes of the final quarrel between Enzo Ferrari and Alfa Romeo.
Some customers prefer to have the Tipo 256 as a cabriolet. One of these cars rebodied in July 1939 by Pinin Farina was perhaps the most expensive Italian car of its time.
Pinin Farina had probably entrusted the design of this one of its kind Alfa Romeo to the most innovative stylist of his time, Count Mario Revelli de Beaumont. Certainly very proud of this masterpiece, Pinin Farina published it as an ad in the July 1940 issue of the Auto Italiana magazine.
This particular car is a true precursor of the admirable postwar Italian cars. Piero Dusio, who created Cisitalia in 1946, owned it from 1940 to 1946.
Well preserved, the Tipo 256 bodied by Pinin Farina was sold for $ 4M by Gooding on August 17, 2014, lot 144.
