Head turner

[snobuilder]

 

[byr 13]

View attachment 56825

very nice !!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mezz]

What is it? An Erkle car all growed up? LOL!, seriously though, what is it? I am guessing foreign, perhaps Italian? It sure is well preserved.-Mezz

 

[snobuilder]

7
1938 Figoni Falaschi.

Saw it in a driveway about a mile from home. Had the wife do a uturn. Had a feeling I was in the presence of something million buck artsy.

 

[snobuilder]

What is it? An Erkle car all growed up? LOL!, seriously though, what is it? I am guessing foreign, perhaps Italian? It sure is well preserved.-Mezz

Been doing some research. this link shows the car in show 2001.

http://www.caranddriver.com/news/1938-talbot-lago-t32-figoni-et-falaschi-coupe-auto-shows

 

[frnash]

… I am guessing foreign, perhaps Italian? …

Yikes, it's French!

Figoni et Falaschi Carrossiers
14 Rue LeMoine
Boulogne-Seine

Maybe I shoulda known that.
It does look vaguely similar to the old Citroën DS:

I actually yoosta own one of those upside-down bathtubs!
'Twas quite a unique vehicle, as the (click →) Wikipedia article says:

"Noted for its aerodynamic, futuristic body design and innovative technology, the DS set new standards in ride quality, handling, and braking—and was the first production car equipped with disc brakes.
…
In conventional cars, hydraulics are only used in brakes and power steering. In the DS they were also used for the suspension, clutch and transmission."

It was all that, and that hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension? Smooth, comfortable ride? Oh yes, you betcha!

The day I first got it, I did a trial run from Phoenix to Flagstaff and back.
On the way back I was enjoying the ride, but beginning to wonder why I seemed to be passing every other vehicle on the road, on one of the steeper downhill grades, where the north & south roadways were widely separated — by as much as ½ mile … then I (finally!) looked at the speedo: 105 mph! (And as smooth as glass!) Holy sheet!


(Darn good thing there were no "Airyzony Highway 'Pultroons'" around!)

It was a bit of fun demonstrating that suspension on various speed bumps, too. Heading for the speed bump at significant speed; passenger cringes and braces for impact … What speed bump? Smooth as glass!

Another nice feature of the hydropneumatic suspension was the little lever on the left sidewall that adjusted the ride level. Coming up on a typical flooded wash in Airyzony's monsoon season? No problem. Flip the lever and raise the ol' "Citroon" up on its tippy toes, and drive on through the wash. No problem!

Well there was one little problem: The damn thing used to leak hydraulic fluid like crazy. I had to buy the stuff by the gallon! And there was exactly one mechanic in the entire metro Phoenix area (Glendale) that worked on them.

 

[snobuilder]

Ok here is a link to the UP ...Not only is the Italian heritage a hardworking breed as in the mine workers of Da UP but as this car shows also very passionate at designing things in the shape of a curvy woman. Quite an attribute to the race. Both Figoni and Falaschi were of Italian heritage and emigrated to Paris as children with their families.

 

[mezz]

Very interesting story & thanks for the info, not to mention the extra credit from Mr. Nash. Auto History lesson 101 at it's best. Thanks guys.-Mezz

 

[yamadooed]

Typical Eurotrash car Snowbuddy... I do like the barn in the background though...

 

[snobuilder]

Typical Eurotrash car Snowbuddy... I do like the barn in the background though...

No shame here ....damn proud a my uturn to get the pics of this work of art.
The horse barn owner was only worthy of an Olds 442 that was lucky enough to be on the same transport as the T23.

 

[mezz]

As different as it is, it's truly a work of art. Again, thanks for sharing. Much appreciated.-Mezz