An original handcrafted model from 1937 by Figoni et Falaschi

Mr. Guay,

I regret having to write this, but your response to my comments to your advert is simply not correct. As you may or may not know, I am in the process of writing serveral volumes on Figoni and Figoni et Falaschi. I have the Figoni archives, and I can without blushing state that I am an authority on the matter. I can assure you that only two T150 C-SS cabriolets were built: 90111 and 90115. There were no others. 90111 was cream and red and repainted silver years later. Silver was never the original color of that car or the other. 90111 survives in a complete state and was shown at Pebble Beach in 2019. The chassis of 90115 exists with a new body replicated by RM as the original body was lost (this is fully documented). Around 1945, a dealer in Bordeaux mounted the body from 90115 on a T23 chassis and advertised the car for sale. This combo is lost and has left no trace. But it was not a third car. There is or was no all-silver third car.

In addition, for reasons unknown, while T150 C-SS Figoni Teardrops were shown at period concours and ran at Le Mans, one such was never shown at the Paris Salon. The only Salon showing of a T150 C-SS Goutte d'Eau (Teardrop and Goutte d'Eau were not terms used by Figoni) was chassis 90103 at the 1937 New York Motor Show. Hence the internal Figoni term "Coupé Américain" for the fastback version. Nor were any of the two T150 C-SS cabriolets shown at any Salon.

I can sympathize that it is frustrating to be informed that something one owns is not what it may appear to be to some. But there is no hard evidence of any kind that your model was manufactured by Figoni, and the account of color changes due to the showing (that never took place) of a third car (that never existed), simply does not hold water.

I will always admit to having made a mistake if proof to the contrary is forthcoming. So I exhort you to furnish some kind of photographic material that shows a Teardrop and/or one of the two T150 C-SS cabriolets at the Paris Salon (what year?), as well as some kind of information that substantiates that your model was manufactured in the Figoni shops.

The following is a response to comments posted the last couple of days. Information provided by Sotheby’s in 2013, stated that there were three Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Cabriolets built, which were designed by Figoni et Falaschi. The image of the actual Talbot-Lago T50-C SS Cabriolet painted in its original silver is included in this advert is from a spread-image on pages 170 and 171 from book SBN 0-525-060006: “World of Cars” published in 1971. The previous owner of this maquette stated that chassis 90111 was originally planned to be painted silver, to complement the Teardrop Coupe at the Paris Exhibition, but it was decided at the last minute to paint this exhibition car cream with red fenders to further distinguish itself from the Teardrop coupe. One of the other three cars were painted silver with dark blue fenders, but the third car was painted all silver. This will be further clarified in the advert. Chassis’ 90111 and 90115 did have their data plates switched. To expound upon this switch after 1945, the clarification comment they were switched specifically for import purposes to the USA, will be added to the advertisement. Coachbuilders did of course start designing cars in the 1920’s crafted in wood. Most were then utilised in the workshops with resulting pencil marks made during the processes of: buck building, ash frame construction, and the “skinning” in metal. Usually in aluminium. On occasion, maquettes were also hand crafted that were meticulously finished with the proposed colour. This helped to better visualise the finished car. The previous owner stated that this maquette was made in 1937. The materials utilised in the making of this model are clearly from the 1930’s. Anyone is welcome to make arrangements to come view the maquette in person.

Absolutely no documentation on this model, and clearly Figoni didnt do such things. Plenty hobbist did in the 1950's and 1960's before Iphones.

Unless the seller can provide incontrovertible proof that this model was made in the Figoni shops, i.e. a photo of the model in the Figoni works, this model must be regarded as something made at some later date by an unknown model maker, and not something crafted at the Figoni shops.

The proportions are not correct, and in any event, Figoni never made models, but only styling maquettes in unpainted wood and/or clay that were intended to provide a scaleable shape for the carpenters to make the wooden frame for the full-size body and the panelbeaters to shape the metal. It is documented that Joseph Figoni began working this way as early as 1927-1928. Detalis such as interiors (seats, instruments, etc) and/or exterior trim were never present, as they were irrelevant for the purpose of the maquette. A single such maquette has survived in the hands of the Figoni family, and others cen be seen in period images.

In addition, there are several mistakes in the description. The chassis #s of 90019 (which was a longer and taller T150C chassis that has survived and is now in the Marriott collection) and 90115 were never switched. It was the chassis plates of 90111 and 90115 that were switched as both were T150 C-SS. This was for import duty reasons when the cars were exported to the US in the early 1950s. This issue has been resolved by historian Jonathan Sierakowski.

The photo of 90111 that is linked to in the article is not from 1971, but was published in Automobile Quarterly Volume IV no. 1 in the spring of 1965. It is evident that the proportions of the genuine car are very different to this model, while model is painted to mimic 90111 as it looked at that time. However, 90111 was originally cream with red fenders, so the paint of the model is not "The (original) paint applied to the model is the exact automotive paint used on one of only three stunning Cabriolets built the following year by the French coachbuilder". First of all, there were only two T150 C-SS roadsters, and the second was light blue with dark blue fenders.

Peter Larsen

Right David! I wonder how many of us, what percentage, got interested in old cars because of Dinky, Matchbox cars etc......I'm 66, and still have every single Matchbox model of yesteryear my grandfather purchased for me as a child.....and they still bring me just as much joy as when new....

It is a very interesting model. Is the price worth it? I do think so. After all, your not just getting the model, your getting history. And a very unique piece of history at that......

What a beautiful piece of craftsmanship! I am sure it will be a very good investment even at that price, but it's just not in my price bracket, £10 for a Dinkey toy is more my style!