1949 Talbot Lago Baby T15

The Talbot was rebuilt in the late seventies (of course, the chap who owned it at the time also had a Bristol…) and there are invoices on file for this work, as well as a letter from the Official Receivers in Companies Liquidation dated the 15th of June 1981 informing the restoration company that the Lago was an asset of Quane Investments, which had recently gone into liquidation.

Of no relevance now, of course, the fact it’s still with the car is an important part of its provenance.

As to the car’s condition, given that nearly half-a-century has passed since that partial restoration it probably won’t surprise you to learn that it needs some work now.

Quite a lot of work, in fact. 

But, although it hasn’t been used in more than 40 years it spent that time in dry-storage, so the condition isn’t half as bad as it would be if it had been dragged out of a hedge in a field.

In fact, it’s one of those cars that gets better and better the closer you look. 

It’s also got a charming story, as the seller narrates: “My father, Ron Smith, had owned a few Talbot Lagos in the 60’s, plus the T150c and the Talbot Lago Baby T15 in the late 70’s. He gave the Baby to me, and it was garaged in Horsham in the early 1980s.

It was driven into the lockup on trade plates in the 1980s, where it has remained since. It was left in its original state with French number plates on the back seat: ‘4112 E75’ possibly from Paris in 1955, ‘3761 EF78’ which could be from Versailles in 1962, and ‘LNV 26E’ which may be from Northampton in 1966.

The intention was to restore the car but over the years other life events took over, and I have never been able to do this.”

A ‘barn find’ is often little more than a box of bits and, if you’re lucky, a semi-visible chassis number. not here though.  We think you’ll be impressed by how complete the Talbot’s bodywork is – and with its condition.

Because what rust there is looks to be largely superficial and often little more than skin deep, with the worst areas being around the sunroof, the bottom of all the doors, the scuttle between the windscreen and the bonnet, and the offside front wing. 

There are holes in the roof panel above both front doors, which the seller tells us are drains for the sun roof. 

As for dents and other damage, again the issues it presents are remarkably few given how much time has passed since it last saw daylight. 

It is true that the chromework is dull and needs replating, but again, the brightwork is, as far as we can tell, all there and in good physical condition. 

The lamp housing need rechroming too, but the glass lenses all look good, which’ll save you the mother of all headaches trying to source replacements.

The painted steel wheels are in a decent condition with only a few minor dents and dinks to their rims. Obviously, the tyres will need to be replaced but the hubcaps you assumed are missing can be found inside the cabin.

The interior has fared a little worse than the coachwork but, again, everything important seems to be there and the beauty of a handbuilt car like this is that what one person can make, another can restore.

But let’s not be too gloomy because while some panels, like the offside front door card and the headlining, are beyond saving, others, like the seats, might respond positively to professional attention.

A lot will depend on whether you would prefer to focus more in conserving the car’s history and character or stripping it all out and having it fully retrimmed.

As is always the case, there is no right or wrong answer, but if you don’t mind a patina, there is certainly scope for some conservation. 

The boot has a few spares and tools within it, but the car’s position makes it hard to assess its condition. Maybe a trip to the seaside would be in order for you to inspect it in person?

Like everything else, everything in the engine bay will need attention but it also looks to be complete.

The engine doesn’t run, and the car hasn’t been driven for decades, so you will need to factor in a budget for someone to collect it on a trailer or low-loader. 

As for the underside, it looks very strong. Remarkably free of rust too, and undamaged. Score another point in its favour. 

The history file includes all the paperwork we mentioned earlier from the late seventies and early eighties, along with some period photos of the car when it was still in use.

There’s also a folder of material covering its build specification as well as a book about the model.

Everyone loves a barn find, and while the Lago Baby might not have been found in a barn, being found in a lockup is arguably even better.

Pretty much everything looks to be there too, and given most of the serious challenges a restoration throws up are sourcing missing parts, the fact this one is as complete as it is gives you a headstart.

Being offered with no reserve, it’s going to sell from the very first bid. 

As for where the bidding will end, we suspect the virtual hammer will fall somewhere between £8,000 and £12,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Littlehampton, West Sussex. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT, to make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.