Talbot-Lago Lago America History

For 1957, facing an inability to develop new engines in-house, Antonio Lago sourced BMW's 2,580 cc light-alloy OHV V8, bore-reduced slightly to 2,476 cc, producing a claimed 138 PS. Fitted with a two-door coupé body, the Lago America was positioned as an exclusive grand tourer aimed at American export buyers — reflected in its name and left-hand-drive configuration.

Only around a dozen BMW-engined Lago Americas were delivered. When Simca bought the company in 1959, the final handful of cars were completed with Simca's own 2,351 cc V8, which produced only 95 PS even with two carburettors — a notable step down. Just five Simca-powered examples were sold before production ceased entirely.

The Lago America is historically significant as the last car to bear the Talbot-Lago name. With total production in the low tens across both engine variants, surviving examples are extraordinarily rare.