The 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C SS Teardrop Coupe, with coachwork by Figoni & Falaschi, started its life as a pure racing car.

Each vehicle was hand-built. Its unique, fluid design gave the illusion of motion even at a standstill. The press, tasked with describing this symphony of curves and subtle embellishment in words, called it "“"goute d'eau," a drop of water. Its sporty and elegant design influenced the lines and details of postwar Jaguars, particularly in the oval grille, rounded hood, and sweeping fenders.

Tuned by Lucien Girard, its output in racing trim was a strong 155 horsepower. The long, 104.5 mm stroke engine and inherent smoothness of the inline six-cylinder layout gave it healthy torque across a broad rev range, as well as good fuel economy. Its transverse leaf spring independent front suspension and semi-elliptical leaf spring live rear axle broke no new ground, but was robust, reliable, and predictable.

The Talbot-Lago T150C had a successful racing career that included a podium finish at the LeMans 24 Hour Race.

At the 2011 RM Auctions, a 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C SS Teardrop Coupe sold for $4,473,253.

• Wheelbase, inches: 104.3
• Weight, lbs: 3,300
• Length, inches: 169.3
• Width, inches: 65.7
• Production: 11
• Current Value: $4,473,253

• Type: Series Production Car
• Displacement: 3996 cc / 243.85 in³
• Fuel system: Tripple Stromberg Carburetors
• Engine: Inline-6 w/Hemispherical Combustion Chambers
• Compression ratio: 7.4:1
• Horsepower @ rpm: 140.0 hp @ 4200 rpm
• Suspension: Leaf Springs
• Transmission: Wilson Four-speed Pre-Selecto

• Top Speed, mph: 115.0 mph