Fantasy Junction

Description

1995 Talbo

VIN – TLC2ADCNXSTALB008
Exterior Color – Maroon Metallic
Interior Color – Tan leather
Engine – 5.0 Liter Ford HO V8
Transmission – Ford Automatic (AOD)
Mileage – 16,570 miles
Current Owner Purchase – 2005
Miles on Date of Purchase – 5,300 miles

General History

The name Talbot-Lago has become synonymous with some of the most elegant and rare automobiles of the 20th century. Throughout the Art Deco era, these great cars were clothed in some of the most sumptuous coachbuilt bodies, draped in elegance, and opulently appointed. Owned by royalty, Hollywood elite, exorbitantly wealthy individuals, these were cars of prestige and status with European flair and daring performance, both on and off the racetrack. Rare in number and increasingly so due to the cost of purchase or a daunting restoration, it is delightful to find a contemporary company continuing to offer the style and presence of these grand cars built on a modern platform using an easily serviceable powertrain.

Conceived and developed by TLC Carrossiers, Inc. and founded by a former Pratt & Whitney engineer, the first of their cars were built in the early 1990s. Anchored in the tradition of hand-built cars the Talbo was based on a laser cut and welded bespoke chassis and 100” wheelbase with suspension developed specifically by TLC. Each car was powered by a 5.0 Liter HO Ford engine and offered with either a Ford automatic or 5-Speed manual transmission. Weighing just under 3,000 lbs., the 230hp engine provided spirited performance and 50/50 weight distribution resulting in comfortable cornering and refined road manners. The Series I cars were made from the mid 1990s through 2001 with post 2001 cars using Series II specifications, built under the new company name GC Carrossiers LLC. Although production numbers have not been confirmed, sources suggest that approximately 30 cars have been made of both Series I and II variants. Talbo production continues today under new ownership with new models priced in excess of $200,000.00.

History of this Talbo

This Talbo is the 8th Series I produced. It was purchased by the second owner from the original builder and founder of TLC Carrossiers. In the mid 1990s, the current owner had been corresponding with TLC inquiring about the possibility of purchase. Copies of letters between the founder and the second owner are included with the car. It appears that instead of purchasing a fresh build, the owner opted to purchase this car from the founder. Most likely used as a demonstration vehicle for TLC, the car remained with TLC until 2005 when the current owner purchased it. At that time, the car had 9,228 miles. Shortly before his purchase, the owner requested some changes including a leather covered dashboard, new carpeting, and changes to the location of two nameplates.
After his purchase, the transmission was rebuilt and the current owner enjoyed the car sparingly tending to general fluids and services as needed including a new serpentine belt 2008, new engine management computer 2009, new front spring mounts 2009, radiator recore 2010, cosmetic paint improvement 2011, a new rear spring 2012, alternator rebuild, new power connector, and battery 2015, new inner tie rods, new hub bolts, and bearings, alignment 2016, new battery 2020, and in preparation for sale (July 2023) a new set of tires were installed, the cooling system flushed, and an oil and filter change performed.

Condition and Ownership

Today this Talbo presents in excellent condition with beautiful maroon metallic paint that is glossy and smooth throughout. The finish is rich and lustrous, appearing a deeper color in elegant evening light with bright contrast in brighter sunlight. The elegant lines are beautifully represented in this color. The door jams, inner surfaces, and body lines are in excellent condition. Though typical small stone chip marks are evident on the front facing surfaces, and there is a small scuff mark on the right front fender that has been touched up by hand, none of these take away from the overall splendid beauty of the visual composition. The grille and headlight treatment beautifully reflects the original design, with a clever pop-up mechanism concealed behind the side vents. The wire wheels are in excellent condition with vivid chrome finish contrasted by a set of new Vredestein 215/65 R16 black wall tires mounted July 2023. Lenses, glass, and lighting remain in excellent condition throughout. All emblems, script lettering, and exterior chrome details are beautifully finished adding wonderful glints of chrome enhancing the beautiful Figoni-Falaschi inspired coachwork.

The refined tan leather interior is elegantly finished and has been properly cared for, showing modest relaxing and light patina to the premium leather luxury seating surfaces. The leather fascia dashboard is surrounded by finished wood which matches the steering wheel and inner window garnish. A centrally mounted gear shift handle is booted with matching tan leather and activates the automatic transmission. The dashboard features classic white dial gauges, traditional knobs and switches, and ventilation bezels with chrome finishes. A contemporary JVC AM/FM CD stereo is installed under the dash with speakers mounted on the side panels under the dash and in the rear storage area. Adding a clever vintage sporting touch, a set of Heuer Master Time stopwatches are mounted on the glovebox door. The carpet shows typical use and the headliner displays some discoloration, but the leather door panels, side trim, and rear storage area remain very nice and the rear floor includes a secret storage area under the rear carpeted section.

Under the centrally hinged hood, the Ford V8 engine is clean and unmodified from new, highlighted by a tidy and well-laid out engine compartment. A vintage engine turned panel on the firewall can be lifted to reveal the battery, which was installed in 2020. The engine features air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, with the brake booster and washer bottle accessible from the opposite side of the cowl, also covered with an engine turned lid. The engine features Ford Motorsport headers, and a custom Talbo plenum mounted above the stock Ford cast aluminum fuel injection system. The underside reveals a clean and well cared for car that has been stored indoors and preserved from inclement weather. The front and rear independent suspension, dual exhaust, and full-size underside spare tire reveal clever engineering packaging for this design.

The car starts, runs, and drives quite well, delivering a capable V8 exhaust note and pleasant cruising manners. Much of the experience is revealed in the elegant body design which can be enjoyed looking out over the long hood while gracefully motoring through mountain roads.

Rare and seldom seen even at premier automotive shows and events, this Talbo is sure to gather a crowd of admirers on any show field. Beautifully finished and handsomely equipped, this Talbo captures all the refinement and elegance of the art deco era with the comfort and convenience of modern driving manners.

Included with This Car

This Talbo is accompanied by a set of tools and tool roll, an owner’s manual, a scale model car, matching color touch up paint, JVC stereo manual, and alarm manual.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608

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