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Talbot-LagoSS-S

SPECIFICATION


Engine:
Straight six; 90 x 104.5, 3,994 cc pushrod ohv; max power 125 to 140 bhp, according to tune, at 4,100 rpm

Transmission:
Wilson four-speed pre-selector gearbox

Suspension:
Front; independent by transverse leaf springs and dampers rear; live axle simi-elipic springs and dampers

Brakes:
Drum brakes

Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 104 in (264 cm);
Track: Front 56 in (142 cm); rear 58.5 in (148 cm)


Max speed:
Approx 115 mph (185 kmh) according to body and engine tune

Talbot-Lago SS 1937/38



Antonio ("Tony") Lago moved from the British branch of the crumbling Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq combine in 1933 to reorganize its old Suresnes plant, where he focused on one road model and on racing cars. The existing 3 litre straight six engine substantially modified and in 4 litre form, powered the GT cars which kept Automobiles Talbot in business.

Duel purpose engine

With Walter Becchia, Lago planned a clever version with overhead valve operated by cross pushrods, to serve in Grand Prix cars as well as sports cars. The competitions sports car prepared for 1936 was the basis of the road cars. Its chassis was conventional, but the Talbots had Wilson pre-selector gearboxes

Racing succes

By 1937 the Talbots were winning major races, and the high performance (Sports-Speciale) road model was launched. French specialist coachbuilders, who filled the leading role that was to be taken over by the Italian companies, took the SS as the basis for some outstanding sports and GT cars. The treatment of some two door coupes was heavy and claustrophobic but Figoni et Falaschi built some exemplary open and closed cars.

A superb Talbot-Lago Type 150SS with a Figoni et Falaschi coupe body-elegant, practical and in its lines two years ahead of the chassis that carried it.

Photo Autopresse
MCMXCI, Edito-Service S.A. D1 078 01-02

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