To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The
Elkhart Collection event, 23 - 24 October 2020.
Estimate:
$140,000 - $180,000
- Graceful, attractive, and streamlined factory bodywork
- 140 bhp six-cylinder engine and Wilson pre-selector manual
transmission
- Older restoration in nice condition; ideal to drive and
enjoy
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
The T23 was one of the first new models introduced after the French
manufacturer Talbot of Suresnes was acquired by Major Anthony
"Tony" Lago, thus giving rise to the appellation Talbot-Lago.
Offered in several different lengths of chassis with X-braced
independent front suspension, the longer 3,200-mm wheelbase Major
was powered by an overhead valve pushrod six-cylinder engine with
twin Solex carburetors that could produce 115 bhp at 4,000 rpm.
This striking T23 Major cabriolet is equipped with the
competition-bred Wilson four-speed pre-selector gearbox, forerunner
of the modern paddle-shifted transmission. It was restored some
three decades ago by the noted White Post Restorations of Virginia
in a gorgeous two-tone blue. The car then returned to Europe and
was owned by a French collector living in Europe, who sold it to
another enthusiast in the mid-2000s. It remained in that ownership
until 2013 and was then acquired by the current collection.
More recently a beautiful off-white leather interior was fitted,
but the remainder of the restoration remains the original White
Post work, showing some age on the chassis and undercarriage, as
well as around the panel gaps and top area, from regular use. At
the time of cataloguing, the car recorded 9,229 kilometers. Small
modern reflector taillights have been added for safe road
enjoyment, and indeed the car would be well suited to CCCA CARavans
or various road rallies for which this T23 Major would be
eligible.To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/el20.