French Cars
in addition to Ettore Bugatti
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Cars 1910s Cars 1920s Cars 1930s Cars 1936-37 Cars 1938-39 Cars 1968-79 Hypercars Bugatti Automobiles
Chronology : 1924 1937 2020 2022
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Cars 1910s Cars 1920s Cars 1930s Cars 1936-37 Cars 1938-39 Cars 1968-79 Hypercars Bugatti Automobiles
Chronology : 1924 1937 2020 2022
Ettore Bugatti
See dedicated page :
1914 Peugeot L45
2017 SOLD for $ 7.3M by Bonhams
The quarrel had been lasting in the Peugeot family between supporters and opponents of the automotive industry to the point that the activity had been split into two independent companies. After the death of Eugène, his sons are finally interested in the automobile and create the brand Lion-Peugeot. Even after the merger of the two companies in 1910, some reluctance persists. The Peugeot racing team receives internally the derogatory nickname of Charlatans.
After a first experience in engine design for the navy, the young engineer Ernest Henry was hired by Peugeot in 1911. He joined the Charlatans team where he listened to the innovative ideas of the pilots.
Henry conceived a synthesis of two techniques : the double overhead camshaft and the four valves per cylinder. At that time the organizers of the competitions were managing to limit the volumes. The Peugeot cars equipped with the engine designed by Henry are the L76 (7.6 liters) and the L3 (3 liters) in 1912, the L56 (5.6 liters) in 1913 and the L45 (4.5 liters) in 1914. In a ultimate challenge to the traditionalists of the company this L is for Lion.
Thanks to these innovations, the Peugeots of the Charlatans have a lighter chassis and a better handling. They begin to dominate the ACF competitions in France and then the 500 miles of Indianapolis.
The Peugeot-Henry engine is so far ahead of its competitors that the organizers of Indianapolis, fearing that the war in Europe reduces the appeal of their event, commission an American manufacturer to build replicas. Through that following Peugeot is the precursor of all modern car engines.
Two of these Peugeot cars survive. On November 11, 2017, Bonhams sold an L45 in an authenticity which is pitstanding for a car of that time. Its chassis and engine are number 1 and the bodywork is original. Thanks to a progress in the technology of the tires it was timed at 165 km/h in 1949, an unprecedented speed for a car manufactured before the First World War.
This L45 was sold for $ 7.3M from a lower estimate of $ 3M, lot 408. It was filmed in operation by a spectator at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed. This video is shared on YouTube.
After a first experience in engine design for the navy, the young engineer Ernest Henry was hired by Peugeot in 1911. He joined the Charlatans team where he listened to the innovative ideas of the pilots.
Henry conceived a synthesis of two techniques : the double overhead camshaft and the four valves per cylinder. At that time the organizers of the competitions were managing to limit the volumes. The Peugeot cars equipped with the engine designed by Henry are the L76 (7.6 liters) and the L3 (3 liters) in 1912, the L56 (5.6 liters) in 1913 and the L45 (4.5 liters) in 1914. In a ultimate challenge to the traditionalists of the company this L is for Lion.
Thanks to these innovations, the Peugeots of the Charlatans have a lighter chassis and a better handling. They begin to dominate the ACF competitions in France and then the 500 miles of Indianapolis.
The Peugeot-Henry engine is so far ahead of its competitors that the organizers of Indianapolis, fearing that the war in Europe reduces the appeal of their event, commission an American manufacturer to build replicas. Through that following Peugeot is the precursor of all modern car engines.
Two of these Peugeot cars survive. On November 11, 2017, Bonhams sold an L45 in an authenticity which is pitstanding for a car of that time. Its chassis and engine are number 1 and the bodywork is original. Thanks to a progress in the technology of the tires it was timed at 165 km/h in 1949, an unprecedented speed for a car manufactured before the First World War.
This L45 was sold for $ 7.3M from a lower estimate of $ 3M, lot 408. It was filmed in operation by a spectator at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed. This video is shared on YouTube.
1914 #Peugeot L45 Grand Prix 2 Seater, Chassis no. 1, Engine no. 1 - #Bothwell Collection now online- Nov. 11 in #LA https://t.co/OY1MaNkVhz pic.twitter.com/tJhZDARuQ3
— BONHAMS (@bonhams1793) October 11, 2017
1924 Hispano-Suiza Tulipwood Torpedo
2022 SOLD for $ 9.2M by RM Sotheby's
A grandson of the founder of the highly successful Dubonnet aperitif firm, André Dubonnet was at 21 a flying ace of the First World War, credited with six aerial victories. After the war he developed his passion for innovative mechanics with Hispano-Suiza.
As early as 1921, Dubonnet won the first edition of the Coupe des voiturettes Georges Boillot with a Hispano-Suiza 6 cylinder 7 liter Spéciale prepared by himself.
Dubonnet commissioned in 1924 to Nieuport Aviation his unprecedented masterpiece, a featherweight tapered and lowered torpedo body suitable for both racing and touring assembled on a newly developed Hispano-Suiza H6C sport chassis with a new 6 cylinder 8 liter engine.
The frame of wooden ribs by Nieuport were covered with strips of mahogany of uneven thickness and length riveted to the veneer. The torpedo tail enclosed a 52-gallon gas tank for long distance racing. The car was nicknamed the Tulipwood Torpedo.
The body was then sealed, sanded and varnished. Dubonnet with his Tulipwood Torpedo finished 6th in the 1924 Targa Florio.
This one off car conceived and driven by an aperitif heir soon went into the ownership of the son of a famous perfumer and then to a Scottish marmalade heir. Largely retaining its original woodwork, it was sold for $ 9.2M by RM Sotheby's on August 18, 2022, lot 141.
It is narrated and operated in the video shared by the auction house. The images are shared by Wikimedia with attribution to Bill Abbott, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, (first image below) and to Chris Hunkeler from El Cerrito, California, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0> (second image below), via Wikimedia Commons.
Dubonnet switched in 1925 from Hispano-Suiza to a Bugatti Type 35. This man ahead of his time also competed in bobsleigh in the 1928 Olympics.
As early as 1921, Dubonnet won the first edition of the Coupe des voiturettes Georges Boillot with a Hispano-Suiza 6 cylinder 7 liter Spéciale prepared by himself.
Dubonnet commissioned in 1924 to Nieuport Aviation his unprecedented masterpiece, a featherweight tapered and lowered torpedo body suitable for both racing and touring assembled on a newly developed Hispano-Suiza H6C sport chassis with a new 6 cylinder 8 liter engine.
The frame of wooden ribs by Nieuport were covered with strips of mahogany of uneven thickness and length riveted to the veneer. The torpedo tail enclosed a 52-gallon gas tank for long distance racing. The car was nicknamed the Tulipwood Torpedo.
The body was then sealed, sanded and varnished. Dubonnet with his Tulipwood Torpedo finished 6th in the 1924 Targa Florio.
This one off car conceived and driven by an aperitif heir soon went into the ownership of the son of a famous perfumer and then to a Scottish marmalade heir. Largely retaining its original woodwork, it was sold for $ 9.2M by RM Sotheby's on August 18, 2022, lot 141.
It is narrated and operated in the video shared by the auction house. The images are shared by Wikimedia with attribution to Bill Abbott, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, (first image below) and to Chris Hunkeler from El Cerrito, California, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0> (second image below), via Wikimedia Commons.
Dubonnet switched in 1925 from Hispano-Suiza to a Bugatti Type 35. This man ahead of his time also competed in bobsleigh in the 1928 Olympics.
We can't wait to see the world famous Hispano-Suiza at our Monterey auction. The "Tulipwood" Torpedo is one of the crown jewels of the Masterworks of Design Collection: https://t.co/Qf7DUI4fu2 pic.twitter.com/V62ppN3UYM
— RM Sotheby's (@rmsothebys) June 23, 2022
1937 Delahaye 135 Roadster
2014 SOLD for $ 6.6M by RM Auctions
The Delahaye type 135, released in 1935, is the great rival of the Bugatti 57. Its wide range of chassis includes the 135 Compétition Court, specially designed for racing as its name suggests.
Approximately 30 cars were built in Compétition Court and many of them were equipped with various bodies due to the rival talents of two contractors of Delahaye, the illustrator Géo Ham and the coachbuilder Figoni et Falaschi.
The Torpedo Roadster open body is a symbol of the top automotive luxury of its time and caused a sensation at the Salon de l'Auto in Paris in 1936. On March 8, 2014, RM Auctions sold for $ 6.6M a Delahaye 135 Compétition Court Torpedo Roadster, even rarer than the coupe from the same frame, lot 167.
This car was bodied by Figoni et Falaschi who delivered it back to Delahaye in 1937. It is one of few examples where the coachmaker has formally recognized the participation of Géo Ham.
This gorgeous and rare Delahaye was for half a century the favorite of an American collector who nicknamed it his French Mistress.
Approximately 30 cars were built in Compétition Court and many of them were equipped with various bodies due to the rival talents of two contractors of Delahaye, the illustrator Géo Ham and the coachbuilder Figoni et Falaschi.
The Torpedo Roadster open body is a symbol of the top automotive luxury of its time and caused a sensation at the Salon de l'Auto in Paris in 1936. On March 8, 2014, RM Auctions sold for $ 6.6M a Delahaye 135 Compétition Court Torpedo Roadster, even rarer than the coupe from the same frame, lot 167.
This car was bodied by Figoni et Falaschi who delivered it back to Delahaye in 1937. It is one of few examples where the coachmaker has formally recognized the participation of Géo Ham.
This gorgeous and rare Delahaye was for half a century the favorite of an American collector who nicknamed it his French Mistress.
Special Report
Talbot-Lago
History of Talbot-Lago
Talbot-Lago emerged from a complex web of early 20th-century automotive ventures, rooted in Franco-British collaborations. The Talbot brand originated with Clément-Talbot in Britain, founded by Adolphe Clément-Bayard, and Automobiles Darracq in France, owned by Alexandre Darracq. By the 1920s, these entities had merged under the Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq (STD) group, but the Great Depression hit hard, leading to financial struggles for the French arm, Automobiles Talbot France. In 1932, Italian-born engineer Antonio Lago was appointed managing director to revive the business. Despite his efforts, the company entered receivership by late 1934. Lago seized the opportunity in 1936, completing a management buy-out and renaming it Talbot-Lago, focusing on luxury grand tourers and motorsport excellence.
Under Lago's leadership, the company innovated rapidly. Engineer Walter Becchia designed new models with advanced features like transverse leaf-sprung independent front suspension. Pre-war production included the 4-cylinder 2.3-liter T4 "Minor," the 6-cylinder 2.7-liter "Cadette-15," and larger 3-liter or 4-liter "Major" and "Master" variants. Sporting models like the "Baby-15," "Baby," Lago-Spéciale, and Lago-SS featured powerful 4-liter engines with multiple carburetors, often clad in aerodynamic bodies by renowned coachbuilders such as Figoni et Falaschi, Jacques Saoutchik, and Marcel Pourtout. The iconic "Teardrop" (Goutte d'Eau) coupes, like the 1937-1938 T150-C SS by Figoni et Falaschi, epitomized Streamline Moderne design, blending elegance with performance.
Talbot-Lago excelled in motorsport during the 1930s, securing podium finishes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1930, 1931, and 1932, and competing in Grand Prix racing. The T150 C and Lago Spéciale models were standout performers. World War II interrupted operations; Becchia departed for Citroën, and Lago worked with Carlo Marchetti on a new 4.5-liter twin-cam six-cylinder engine.
Post-war, Talbot-Lago resumed with high-performance vehicles amid economic challenges. The 1946-1952 Record T26 used the new 4.5-liter engine (170 hp), available as sedans or cabriolets. The 1947-1954 Grand Sport T26, with a shortened chassis and up to 195 hp, was bodied by elite coachbuilders and achieved racing glory, including Louis Rosier's victory at the 1950 Le Mans 24 Hours. The 1948-1951 Baby revived a pre-war name with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder (110-120 hp). In 1948, the T26C entered Formula One. Later models included the 1955-1957 2500 Coupé T14 LS with a 2.5-liter twin-cam engine and the short-lived America using BMW and Simca V8s for export.
Decline set in due to post-war austerity, high taxes on large engines, and the French government's Pons Plan favoring mass producers. Production peaked at 433 units in 1950 but plummeted to just 13 by 1953. In 1958-1959, Lago sold the company to Simca's Henri Pigozzi, marking the end of independent production. Lago passed away in 1960.
Legacy of Talbot-Lago
Talbot-Lago's enduring legacy lies in its fusion of artistry and engineering, producing vehicles that were both technologically advanced and visually breathtaking. Innovations like twin-cam engines, aluminum cylinder heads, and shared racing-road car tech influenced automotive design, particularly in aerodynamics and luxury. It outlasted contemporaries like Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss, and Bugatti, embodying the pinnacle of French haute couture in automobiles—the "Car From Paris." Collaborations with coachbuilders created timeless icons, such as the Teardrop coupes, which remain symbols of pre-war elegance.
Today, Talbot-Lago cars are highly coveted collectibles, fetching millions at auctions—e.g., a Figoni et Falaschi T150C SS Teardrop Coupe sold for $4.6 million in 2010. The brand was briefly revived in the 1980s under PSA (now Stellantis), but its true impact persists in museums, like the Simeone Foundation, and among enthusiasts celebrating its motorsport heritage and design prowess.
Talbot-Lago emerged from a complex web of early 20th-century automotive ventures, rooted in Franco-British collaborations. The Talbot brand originated with Clément-Talbot in Britain, founded by Adolphe Clément-Bayard, and Automobiles Darracq in France, owned by Alexandre Darracq. By the 1920s, these entities had merged under the Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq (STD) group, but the Great Depression hit hard, leading to financial struggles for the French arm, Automobiles Talbot France. In 1932, Italian-born engineer Antonio Lago was appointed managing director to revive the business. Despite his efforts, the company entered receivership by late 1934. Lago seized the opportunity in 1936, completing a management buy-out and renaming it Talbot-Lago, focusing on luxury grand tourers and motorsport excellence.
Under Lago's leadership, the company innovated rapidly. Engineer Walter Becchia designed new models with advanced features like transverse leaf-sprung independent front suspension. Pre-war production included the 4-cylinder 2.3-liter T4 "Minor," the 6-cylinder 2.7-liter "Cadette-15," and larger 3-liter or 4-liter "Major" and "Master" variants. Sporting models like the "Baby-15," "Baby," Lago-Spéciale, and Lago-SS featured powerful 4-liter engines with multiple carburetors, often clad in aerodynamic bodies by renowned coachbuilders such as Figoni et Falaschi, Jacques Saoutchik, and Marcel Pourtout. The iconic "Teardrop" (Goutte d'Eau) coupes, like the 1937-1938 T150-C SS by Figoni et Falaschi, epitomized Streamline Moderne design, blending elegance with performance.
Talbot-Lago excelled in motorsport during the 1930s, securing podium finishes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1930, 1931, and 1932, and competing in Grand Prix racing. The T150 C and Lago Spéciale models were standout performers. World War II interrupted operations; Becchia departed for Citroën, and Lago worked with Carlo Marchetti on a new 4.5-liter twin-cam six-cylinder engine.
Post-war, Talbot-Lago resumed with high-performance vehicles amid economic challenges. The 1946-1952 Record T26 used the new 4.5-liter engine (170 hp), available as sedans or cabriolets. The 1947-1954 Grand Sport T26, with a shortened chassis and up to 195 hp, was bodied by elite coachbuilders and achieved racing glory, including Louis Rosier's victory at the 1950 Le Mans 24 Hours. The 1948-1951 Baby revived a pre-war name with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder (110-120 hp). In 1948, the T26C entered Formula One. Later models included the 1955-1957 2500 Coupé T14 LS with a 2.5-liter twin-cam engine and the short-lived America using BMW and Simca V8s for export.
Decline set in due to post-war austerity, high taxes on large engines, and the French government's Pons Plan favoring mass producers. Production peaked at 433 units in 1950 but plummeted to just 13 by 1953. In 1958-1959, Lago sold the company to Simca's Henri Pigozzi, marking the end of independent production. Lago passed away in 1960.
Legacy of Talbot-Lago
Talbot-Lago's enduring legacy lies in its fusion of artistry and engineering, producing vehicles that were both technologically advanced and visually breathtaking. Innovations like twin-cam engines, aluminum cylinder heads, and shared racing-road car tech influenced automotive design, particularly in aerodynamics and luxury. It outlasted contemporaries like Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss, and Bugatti, embodying the pinnacle of French haute couture in automobiles—the "Car From Paris." Collaborations with coachbuilders created timeless icons, such as the Teardrop coupes, which remain symbols of pre-war elegance.
Today, Talbot-Lago cars are highly coveted collectibles, fetching millions at auctions—e.g., a Figoni et Falaschi T150C SS Teardrop Coupe sold for $4.6 million in 2010. The brand was briefly revived in the 1980s under PSA (now Stellantis), but its true impact persists in museums, like the Simeone Foundation, and among enthusiasts celebrating its motorsport heritage and design prowess.
Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Goutte d'Eau by Figoni et Falaschi
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 recently 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 with a lowered center of gravity, referred by its carrossier as a faux cabriolet, is indeed contemporary with the culmination of the Parisian Art Déco style.
16 Talbot-Lago cars were assembled with a Figoni et Falaschi teardrop, in two designs. Luigi Chinetti had the exclusive rights for selling them in France.
The first series referred as Jeancart style was made in 1938 of three on the four-litre T150-C SS chassis, one on the three-litre T23 chassis and one on the T150-C Lago Speciale 30 cm longer chassis. C SS refers to the Super Sport Competition short chassis. The model embeds a 4 liter 6 cylinder engine.
The T23 was sold by RM Auctions for $ 2.64M on August 17, 2012, lot 121. The Lago Speciale teardrop coupe by Figoni et Falaschi was sold by RM Auction for $ 4.6M on August 14, 2010, lot 359. Please watch the video shared by Broad Arrow before it passed on August 15, 2024, lot 230. It was sold for € 3.6M by Broad Arrow on May 25, 2025, lot 237.
While a production line is established for the Delahaye long chassis, a very small number of Goutte d'eau were assembled over the Delahaye short chassis, mainly as prototypes or demonstrators.
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 recently 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 with a lowered center of gravity, referred by its carrossier as a faux cabriolet, is indeed contemporary with the culmination of the Parisian Art Déco style.
16 Talbot-Lago cars were assembled with a Figoni et Falaschi teardrop, in two designs. Luigi Chinetti had the exclusive rights for selling them in France.
The first series referred as Jeancart style was made in 1938 of three on the four-litre T150-C SS chassis, one on the three-litre T23 chassis and one on the T150-C Lago Speciale 30 cm longer chassis. C SS refers to the Super Sport Competition short chassis. The model embeds a 4 liter 6 cylinder engine.
The T23 was sold by RM Auctions for $ 2.64M on August 17, 2012, lot 121. The Lago Speciale teardrop coupe by Figoni et Falaschi was sold by RM Auction for $ 4.6M on August 14, 2010, lot 359. Please watch the video shared by Broad Arrow before it passed on August 15, 2024, lot 230. It was sold for € 3.6M by Broad Arrow on May 25, 2025, lot 237.
While a production line is established for the Delahaye long chassis, a very small number of Goutte d'eau were assembled over the Delahaye short chassis, mainly as prototypes or demonstrators.
1
1937 Coupe 90107
2022 SOLD for $ 13.4M by Gooding
Only two Talbot-Lago T150-C SS coupes, both from 1937, have been fitted in period with the spectacular variant of the Goutte d'Eau with fully enclosed front fenders, a feature which is less uncommon on the Delahaye teardrops.
Only one is retaining its original body, with which it won the Prix d'Excellence at the 1938 Concours d’Elegance Fémina in Paris where it had been featured by former cabaret dancer Princess Stella de Kapurthala. Its aluminum alloy coachwork belongs to the second series of Talbot-Lago teardrops, also referred as Modèle New York. This example has a sunroof.
This car was sold for $ 13.4M by Gooding on March 4, 2022, lot 54. It is illustrated in the pre sale press release. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
A 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS fitted as a goutte d'eau coupe in the same year by Figoni et Falaschi was sold for € 3.36M by RM Sotheby's on May 27, 2017, lot 151. Another Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Goutte d'eau coupe 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.
Only one is retaining its original body, with which it won the Prix d'Excellence at the 1938 Concours d’Elegance Fémina in Paris where it had been featured by former cabaret dancer Princess Stella de Kapurthala. Its aluminum alloy coachwork belongs to the second series of Talbot-Lago teardrops, also referred as Modèle New York. This example has a sunroof.
This car was sold for $ 13.4M by Gooding on March 4, 2022, lot 54. It is illustrated in the pre sale press release. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
A 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS fitted as a goutte d'eau coupe in the same year by Figoni et Falaschi was sold for € 3.36M by RM Sotheby's on May 27, 2017, lot 151. Another Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Goutte d'eau coupe 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.
2
1938 Coupe 90112
2026 SOLD for € 6.8M by Gooding Christie's
Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Coupe Goutte d'eau. Compare 3 cars : 90107 (sold by Gooding on March 4, 2022, lot 54, to be used as the reference) ; 90112 (sold for € 6.8M by Gooding Christie's at Rétromobile on January 29, 2026, lot 35 ) ; 90117 (sold by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2022, lot 243).
Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Teardrop Coupe (Goutte d'Eau)
The Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Teardrop Coupe, often called "Goutte d'Eau" (French for teardrop), is an iconic pre-war French automobile designed by Antonio Lago and bodied by the renowned coachbuilder Figoni et Falaschi. Introduced in the late 1930s, it exemplifies Art Deco styling with aerodynamic, teardrop-shaped lines, fully enclosed fenders, and a fastback profile. Only about 11-16 examples were produced, primarily in the "New York" style (named after its debut at the 1937 New York Auto Show), making them among the rarest and most valuable classics. All three cars compared here—chassis 90107 (reference), 90112, and 90117—are high-performance variants with a 4-liter inline-6 engine producing 140 hp, a 4-speed Wilson preselector gearbox, independent front suspension, and 4-wheel drum brakes. They share racing-derived chassis but differ in provenance, features, and market history. Below is a comparison of the three specified examples, using chassis 90107 as the reference.
Aspect90107 (Reference)9011290117
Model Year
90107 : 1937 (titled as 1939)
90112 : 1938
90117 : 1938
Engine
90107 : No. 85021; 3,996 cc OHV inline-6, 3 Zenith-Stromberg carbs, 140 hp at 4,100 rpm
90112 : 3,996 cc OHV inline-6, 3 Stromberg carbs, 140 hp at 4,100 rpm (engine number not specified)
90117 : 4-liter OHV inline-6, 3 Zenith-Stromberg carbs, 140 hp (correct-type replacement fitted during restoration)
Bodywork
90107 : Figoni et Falaschi "New York" Teardrop Coupe; all-alloy with fully enclosed front fenders
90112 : Figoni et Falaschi "New York" fastback Teardrop Coupe; original color Noir Iris (Iris Black)
90117 : Figoni et Falaschi "New York" Teardrop Coupe; 2 inches lower and 4 inches longer than standard, with deep aubergine exterior
Unique Features
90107 : High-performance T150-C-SS chassis; original all-alloy Modèle New York coachwork
90112 : Race-derived chassis with underslung rear axle, Rudge wheels, single-shot lubrication, 120L fuel tank; one of 10-12 Teardrops
90117 : Sole Teardrop built for racing; opening rear window, heart-shaped sunroof, additional driving lights, 250 kph speedometer, semi-bucket driver's seat, long-range fuel tank, external filler cap; includes separate racing hood
History Highlights
90107 : Won Prix d’Excellence at 1938 Concours d’Elegance Fémina in Paris; part of notable collections; First in Class at Pebble Beach, Best of Show at Amelia Island
90112 : Displayed at 1939 Brussels Concours, Paris Concours d’Elegance de l’Auto (grand prize winner), and Deauville; vanished during WWII, resurfaced in 1946; stored disassembled for decades
90117 : Competed in 1939 Le Mans 24 Hours (9th before retirement); confiscated in WWII, dormant in East Germany until 1989; Pebble Beach appearance in 2007
Provenance
90107 : Formerly in Tommy Lee, Lindley Locke, and Nethercutt Collections
90112 : First owner M. Toussaint (Belgium); later Stéphane Falise (1961-2005), private American (2005), private Swiss collection (2013-present)
90117 : Commissioned by Philippe Régnier de Massa; post-war owners incl. Herr A. Becker, Peter Schmitz, Automuseum Deventer, Georg Lingenbrink (1996-2006), Oscar Davis Collection (2006 onward)
Restorations/Condition
90107 : Extraordinary example; condition not detailed beyond awards and preservation
90112 : Restored by RM Auto Restoration (ca. 2009); original wood frame stabilized, sheet metal preserved, chassis refinished; concours condition in silver/gray
90117 : Six-year restoration under Lingenbrink (completed ca. 2002); additional $100K work in 2006-2007; immaculate with tan pigskin leather and cloth interior
Auction Details
90107 : Gooding & Company, Amelia Island, March 4, 2022, Lot 54; est. >$10M; sold $13,425,000
90112 : Gooding Christie's, Rétromobile Paris, January 29, 2026, Lot 35; est. €6,500,000-€7,500,000, sold € 6.8M
90117 : RM Sotheby's, Monterey, August 19, 2022, Lot 243; est. $9M-$11M; sold $7,265,000
Chassis 90107 stands out for its record-breaking sale price and concours pedigree, reflecting its status as one of the most pristine and historically significant examples.
Chassis 90112, with its wartime mystery and recent restoration, offers a blend of originality and rarity, potentially appealing to European collectors at the upcoming auction. Chassis 90117 is unique for its racing intent and Le Mans participation, though its lower sale price may reflect a more varied post-war history and replacement engine.
These values highlight the model's appreciation, driven by scarcity and aesthetic appeal.
Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Teardrop Coupe (Goutte d'Eau)
The Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Teardrop Coupe, often called "Goutte d'Eau" (French for teardrop), is an iconic pre-war French automobile designed by Antonio Lago and bodied by the renowned coachbuilder Figoni et Falaschi. Introduced in the late 1930s, it exemplifies Art Deco styling with aerodynamic, teardrop-shaped lines, fully enclosed fenders, and a fastback profile. Only about 11-16 examples were produced, primarily in the "New York" style (named after its debut at the 1937 New York Auto Show), making them among the rarest and most valuable classics. All three cars compared here—chassis 90107 (reference), 90112, and 90117—are high-performance variants with a 4-liter inline-6 engine producing 140 hp, a 4-speed Wilson preselector gearbox, independent front suspension, and 4-wheel drum brakes. They share racing-derived chassis but differ in provenance, features, and market history. Below is a comparison of the three specified examples, using chassis 90107 as the reference.
Aspect90107 (Reference)9011290117
Model Year
90107 : 1937 (titled as 1939)
90112 : 1938
90117 : 1938
Engine
90107 : No. 85021; 3,996 cc OHV inline-6, 3 Zenith-Stromberg carbs, 140 hp at 4,100 rpm
90112 : 3,996 cc OHV inline-6, 3 Stromberg carbs, 140 hp at 4,100 rpm (engine number not specified)
90117 : 4-liter OHV inline-6, 3 Zenith-Stromberg carbs, 140 hp (correct-type replacement fitted during restoration)
Bodywork
90107 : Figoni et Falaschi "New York" Teardrop Coupe; all-alloy with fully enclosed front fenders
90112 : Figoni et Falaschi "New York" fastback Teardrop Coupe; original color Noir Iris (Iris Black)
90117 : Figoni et Falaschi "New York" Teardrop Coupe; 2 inches lower and 4 inches longer than standard, with deep aubergine exterior
Unique Features
90107 : High-performance T150-C-SS chassis; original all-alloy Modèle New York coachwork
90112 : Race-derived chassis with underslung rear axle, Rudge wheels, single-shot lubrication, 120L fuel tank; one of 10-12 Teardrops
90117 : Sole Teardrop built for racing; opening rear window, heart-shaped sunroof, additional driving lights, 250 kph speedometer, semi-bucket driver's seat, long-range fuel tank, external filler cap; includes separate racing hood
History Highlights
90107 : Won Prix d’Excellence at 1938 Concours d’Elegance Fémina in Paris; part of notable collections; First in Class at Pebble Beach, Best of Show at Amelia Island
90112 : Displayed at 1939 Brussels Concours, Paris Concours d’Elegance de l’Auto (grand prize winner), and Deauville; vanished during WWII, resurfaced in 1946; stored disassembled for decades
90117 : Competed in 1939 Le Mans 24 Hours (9th before retirement); confiscated in WWII, dormant in East Germany until 1989; Pebble Beach appearance in 2007
Provenance
90107 : Formerly in Tommy Lee, Lindley Locke, and Nethercutt Collections
90112 : First owner M. Toussaint (Belgium); later Stéphane Falise (1961-2005), private American (2005), private Swiss collection (2013-present)
90117 : Commissioned by Philippe Régnier de Massa; post-war owners incl. Herr A. Becker, Peter Schmitz, Automuseum Deventer, Georg Lingenbrink (1996-2006), Oscar Davis Collection (2006 onward)
Restorations/Condition
90107 : Extraordinary example; condition not detailed beyond awards and preservation
90112 : Restored by RM Auto Restoration (ca. 2009); original wood frame stabilized, sheet metal preserved, chassis refinished; concours condition in silver/gray
90117 : Six-year restoration under Lingenbrink (completed ca. 2002); additional $100K work in 2006-2007; immaculate with tan pigskin leather and cloth interior
Auction Details
90107 : Gooding & Company, Amelia Island, March 4, 2022, Lot 54; est. >$10M; sold $13,425,000
90112 : Gooding Christie's, Rétromobile Paris, January 29, 2026, Lot 35; est. €6,500,000-€7,500,000, sold € 6.8M
90117 : RM Sotheby's, Monterey, August 19, 2022, Lot 243; est. $9M-$11M; sold $7,265,000
Chassis 90107 stands out for its record-breaking sale price and concours pedigree, reflecting its status as one of the most pristine and historically significant examples.
Chassis 90112, with its wartime mystery and recent restoration, offers a blend of originality and rarity, potentially appealing to European collectors at the upcoming auction. Chassis 90117 is unique for its racing intent and Le Mans participation, though its lower sale price may reflect a more varied post-war history and replacement engine.
These values highlight the model's appreciation, driven by scarcity and aesthetic appeal.
3
1938 Coupe 90117
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.
4
1938 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.
1972 Matra
2021 SOLD for € 6.9M by Artcurial
Jean-Luc Lagardère has been Matra's operational manager since 1963 with the position of Directeur général. His mission is to diversify the activities of this company previously focused to the aeronautical and military sector. In 1964 he declares his ambition for Matra to become the leader in automobile competitions within ten years. In the same year, Matra buys the company of the Automobiles René Bonnet.
In a gradual approach, Matra indeed manages to win successively in Formula 3, Formula 2 and Formula 1. In 1969 Jackie Stewart is world champion with a Matra MS 80 equipped with a V8 Cosworth engine. In the following year Matra Sports joins forces with Simca.
For endurance, Matra's learning is a bit slower. In 1972, after several years of failure, the Matra team enters four cars at Le Mans. The race is won by an MS 670 fitted with the 1972 version of the Matra Sports V12 engine. It was piloted by Henri Pescarolo and Graham Hill. The latter thus becomes the only motorsport champion to have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 500 miles of Indianapolis and the Formula 1 World Championship.
Matra's victory revives French motorsport. Introduced for Formula 1 in 1968, the V12 played an important role in the popularity of the brand. Lagardère wanted its noise to be a roar, which spectators cannot ignore each time a Matra passes through Mulsanne straight.
This car ended its racing career in the following year but was retained by the company. Its many modifications are consistent with the period configuration. It was sold for € 6.9M from a lower estimate of € 4M by Artcurial on February 5, 2021, lot 5. Please watch the video shared by the auction house and discover therein the howl of the Matra, described by Artcurial as a fabulous symphony.
Matra Sports largely won its challenge and ceased competition after the 1974 season but supplied engines to Ligier until 1978. Lagardère became Chairman and CEO of Matra in 1977.
In a gradual approach, Matra indeed manages to win successively in Formula 3, Formula 2 and Formula 1. In 1969 Jackie Stewart is world champion with a Matra MS 80 equipped with a V8 Cosworth engine. In the following year Matra Sports joins forces with Simca.
For endurance, Matra's learning is a bit slower. In 1972, after several years of failure, the Matra team enters four cars at Le Mans. The race is won by an MS 670 fitted with the 1972 version of the Matra Sports V12 engine. It was piloted by Henri Pescarolo and Graham Hill. The latter thus becomes the only motorsport champion to have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 500 miles of Indianapolis and the Formula 1 World Championship.
Matra's victory revives French motorsport. Introduced for Formula 1 in 1968, the V12 played an important role in the popularity of the brand. Lagardère wanted its noise to be a roar, which spectators cannot ignore each time a Matra passes through Mulsanne straight.
This car ended its racing career in the following year but was retained by the company. Its many modifications are consistent with the period configuration. It was sold for € 6.9M from a lower estimate of € 4M by Artcurial on February 5, 2021, lot 5. Please watch the video shared by the auction house and discover therein the howl of the Matra, described by Artcurial as a fabulous symphony.
Matra Sports largely won its challenge and ceased competition after the 1974 season but supplied engines to Ligier until 1978. Lagardère became Chairman and CEO of Matra in 1977.
Bugatti
Intro
After the Bugatti EB110 which was an Italian venture from 1991 to 1995, the Bugatti brand was acquired by Volkswagen in 1998. The assembly was relocated in Molsheim.
1
2020 Divo
2025 SOLD for $ 8.6M by Bonhams
The Divo was revealed by Bugatti during the 2018 Monterey Car Week. Divo was a racing driver who twice won the Targa Florio for Bugatti in the 1920s. It is also the Italian word for Star. The original net price tag was € 5 millions.
A two door coupe road legal car focused on track performances, the Divo comes in the follow of the Chiron of which it kept the W16 turbocharged 8 liter engine. A weight saving and a massive rear wing enabled to improve its comfort and its driving enjoyment. The top speed is electronically limited to 380 km/h. The power output is unchanged from the Chiron at 1,479 hp.
40 units were assembled at Molsheim in 2020 and 2021, with Bugatti also in charge of the coach building. They were sold out in a single day to Chiron owners solicited by the company. A nice elephant insignia on a passenger's seat is a tribute to Rembrandt Bugatti, Ettore's younger brother.
The first Divo offered at auction was sold for $ 8.6M from a lower estimate of $ 7M by Bonhams on August 15, 2025, lot 196. It had been assembled in 2020 and exported to the USA. It is 800 miles from new at the time of cataloging.
A two door coupe road legal car focused on track performances, the Divo comes in the follow of the Chiron of which it kept the W16 turbocharged 8 liter engine. A weight saving and a massive rear wing enabled to improve its comfort and its driving enjoyment. The top speed is electronically limited to 380 km/h. The power output is unchanged from the Chiron at 1,479 hp.
40 units were assembled at Molsheim in 2020 and 2021, with Bugatti also in charge of the coach building. They were sold out in a single day to Chiron owners solicited by the company. A nice elephant insignia on a passenger's seat is a tribute to Rembrandt Bugatti, Ettore's younger brother.
The first Divo offered at auction was sold for $ 8.6M from a lower estimate of $ 7M by Bonhams on August 15, 2025, lot 196. It had been assembled in 2020 and exported to the USA. It is 800 miles from new at the time of cataloging.
2
2022 Chiron Profilée
2023 SOLD for € 9.8M by RM Sotheby's
The Bugatti Chiron met in 2022 its original target of 500 units using an 8 liter W-16 engine of the brand, modified from the Veyron. The company confirmed that it is terminated at 500.
In its six year history the Chiron had several variants made in small series for experiencing an improved speed, agility, aerodynamics, elegance. For example the Super Sport 300+ which reached an unprecedented speed for a road going car had a production run of 30 cars, in 2021 and 2022.
Built in 2022, the Bugatti Chiron Profilée is a one-off associating the driving agility of the 2020 Chiron Pur Sport with a touring elegance. This concept car has an improved airflow management and a newly developed exterior sky blue finish named Argent Atlantique, superbly associated with the bleu roi of the lower part of the body.
Consigned by Bugatti to RM Sotheby's as the last Chiron to be sold, the Profilée was sold for € 9.8M from a lower estimate of € 4.2M on February 1, 2023, lot 177, being at that time the most expensive new car model sold at auction.
It was available on a bill of sale only, in the class of European single type approval, with VAT applied to the full purchase price. Only driven for its testing, this car announced with an electronically limited top speed of 380 km/h has less than 400 km from new.
It is announced as the fastest accelerating of all Chiron models, capable of reaching 100 km/h in 2.3 seconds and 300 km/h in 12.4 seconds. Whether this performance is or not achieved, we cannot believe that the engineering of the Profilée will not be re-used.
The image of the Profilée is shared by Wikimedia with attribution Pelicanactor, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Response by Grok :
Quote
RM Sotheby's @rmsothebys Feb 1, 2023
SOLD: The first and only “pre-series” @Bugatti Chiron Profilée for €9,792,500 #RMParis
In its six year history the Chiron had several variants made in small series for experiencing an improved speed, agility, aerodynamics, elegance. For example the Super Sport 300+ which reached an unprecedented speed for a road going car had a production run of 30 cars, in 2021 and 2022.
Built in 2022, the Bugatti Chiron Profilée is a one-off associating the driving agility of the 2020 Chiron Pur Sport with a touring elegance. This concept car has an improved airflow management and a newly developed exterior sky blue finish named Argent Atlantique, superbly associated with the bleu roi of the lower part of the body.
Consigned by Bugatti to RM Sotheby's as the last Chiron to be sold, the Profilée was sold for € 9.8M from a lower estimate of € 4.2M on February 1, 2023, lot 177, being at that time the most expensive new car model sold at auction.
It was available on a bill of sale only, in the class of European single type approval, with VAT applied to the full purchase price. Only driven for its testing, this car announced with an electronically limited top speed of 380 km/h has less than 400 km from new.
It is announced as the fastest accelerating of all Chiron models, capable of reaching 100 km/h in 2.3 seconds and 300 km/h in 12.4 seconds. Whether this performance is or not achieved, we cannot believe that the engineering of the Profilée will not be re-used.
The image of the Profilée is shared by Wikimedia with attribution Pelicanactor, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Response by Grok :
Quote
RM Sotheby's @rmsothebys Feb 1, 2023
SOLD: The first and only “pre-series” @Bugatti Chiron Profilée for €9,792,500 #RMParis
- The Bugatti Chiron Profilée, sold for €9,792,500 by RM Sotheby's in 2023, is a one-off pre-series model, a rare category of vehicles built before full production to test design and manufacturing, with only a handful ever reaching auction, highlighting its exclusivity.
- This sale reflects a growing trend in the luxury car market, where pre-production models fetch premium prices due to their scarcity and appeal to collectors, supported by a 2022 study from the International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management showing a 15% annual increase in high-end car auction values since 2018.
- The car's display at the RM Paris auction, possibly in a museum-like setting, nods to its artistic value, aligning with Bugatti's history of blending automotive engineering with bespoke craftsmanship, a legacy tracing back to Ettore Bugatti's early 20th-century designs.
