A striking 1938 Talbo Teardrop Replica Coupe, finished in French Racing Blue and built by TLC Carrossiers, will be offered at Mecum’s Larry’s Legacy 2025 auction on September 21. The car pays tribute to one of the most celebrated designs of pre-war motoring while offering modern reliability and comfort.
The late Larry Klairmont spent more than a decade collecting rare and coveted classic and collector cars, along with thousands of items of Road Art and memorabilia to complete the look and feel of his Chicago-based museum. A long-time dedicated customer of Mecum Auctions, Klairmont had full faith in the company’s proven ability to draw the best audiences in the world, which is why the museum has selected Mecum to handle the upcoming sale of his treasured collection. Mecum Auctions has spent more than 38 years building trust among the collector car community, offering more than 2,000 collections of varying types in that time. For the company’s lucky bidders, such collections often offer rare buying opportunities for vehicles that have long been tucked away or that have never changed hands at all, along with the peace of mind that the cars were held in the attentive care of a true-blue collector car enthusiast. Click here to register for the Larry’s Legacy auction, to be held on-site at the museum’s downtown Chicago location this Sept. 19-21.
The Talbo project was launched in 1990 by George Balaschak, who sought to recreate the celebrated Talbot-Lago T-150 CSS “Teardrop Coupe” designed by Figoni et Falaschi. Using an original T-150 from the Brooks Stevens Museum as a reference, TLC Carrossiers employed CAD modeling, CNC machining and laser-cut components to bring the flowing Art Deco design into the modern era. Just 21 examples were produced across two series, each praised for capturing the spirit of the multimillion-dollar originals while remaining drivable for contemporary collectors.
This example rides on a purpose-built frame with fully independent suspension and power steering, ensuring smoother handling than its 1930s inspiration. Under the hood sits a fuel-injected 5.0-liter Ford V-8 paired with an automatic transmission, backed by stainless steel exhaust and Borla mufflers. The coupe’s interior combines classic and modern touches, including wood trim, an engine-turned aluminum dash, Moto Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel, and tan leather upholstery. Amenities such as power-adjustable seats, power windows, cruise control, and a keyless alarm system distinguish it further from its vintage muse.
While it bears the silhouette and presence of an Art Deco showpiece, the Talbo offers the practicality of a car built for modern roads. Automotive designer Strother MacMinn once described the replica as a “tribute that honors both history and design.”
Crossing the block from the Larry Klairmont Museum Collection, this Talbo Teardrop Replica presents bidders with an accessible yet evocative alternative to one of the rarest and most expensive French classics ever built. See it here.
