Very few of the readers here might be around way back in 1937, but then again, that was just an educated guess. The 30’s might have been a decade when the whole world seemed to be intoxicated but some of the best cars after that took a cue from one French car called the Talbot-Lago Teardrop that was designed by the famed Figoni et Falaschi company. The Teardrop, which was also known as “Goutte d’Eau” was able to combine elegance, racing function, and an inclination towards streamlining. The Teardrop was the brainchild of Italian-born Giuseppe Figoni as he teamed up with Ovidio Falaschi when they successfully established the once-renowned Figoni et Falaschi during that decade.
Going back to the Teardrop, it might not be able to hold a candle against modern supercars but its design is surely impeccable and exquisite even up to now. The car is all about removing straight lines and was certainly not ashamed that curved lines surely can make anyone take a second-look. The exterior features diminishing pontoon fenders and a converging rear end that was termed “fastback”. Let’s look at some important things about the Teardrop and how it stands in today’s standards.
Performance
The Teardrop has an Inline 6 w/Hemispherical Combustion engine that was capable of generating a decent 140 horsepower. It has an Independant w/Transverse Leaf Springs suspension in its front while a Live Axle w/Leaf Springs behind. The thing about the teardrop is that despite of its rather cumbersome weight pegged at 3300 lbs., it is capable of attaining a top speed of 115 mph. The Teardrop might be no more than faster than a regular modern coupe but the ideas and concepts applied to it paved the way for the streamlined era.
Racing Accolades
The Teardrop boasted of an independent front suspension and lightweight makeup that was certainly built to win in international racing competitions. The car also had an excellent braking system that was unheard of during its time. Because of these several factors, the car was able to win in prestigious competitions like the Tunisia Montlhèry race and the British Tourist Trophy.
Notes
The Talbot-Lago was just like most supercars that succeeded it that only a handful was manufactured and sold. It also happens to be one of the most expensive cars during its time because of its groundbreaking technology and success in car races. Overall, there were only 16 Teardrop cars that were manufactured and each of them was built to the preferences of the one who bought it. However, signature features such as fenders, raked windshield and sloping fastback, and split windscreens remained.
Seeing a fully-functioning Talbot-Lago Teardrop is certainly a rare sight considering just how few were manufactured 70 years ago. Because of that, very few can match its costs but if you’re definitely a huge fan of classic supercars, the Teardrop is a hands-down solid choice that you won’t regret buying.
Examples
Talbot-Lago 90105
This red-colored teardrop features an improved cockpit ventilation and was sold in 2005 with a tag price of 3.35 million dollars.
Talbot-Lago 90107
Arguably the most unique in the Teardrop line, the 90107 has a fully-skirted front and rear wheels that can still awe modern auto enthusiasts.
Talbot-Lago 90109
This version was initially sold in 1938 and right after the war, it was restored because its wheels and interior were missing.
Talbot-Lago 90117
This version has a solid black color and competed in the 24 hours Le Mans way back in 1939. It is an enhanced Teardrop due to its racing purposes and was equipped with a bigger fuel tank, outside fuel filler, hinder rear window, lower chassis, and a bucket-like front seat.
