Vehicle Description
Automobiles Talbot was once part of a conglomerate of both French
and English companies that included Sunbeam, Talbot and Darracq.
Builders of mid and upper market luxury cars to compete with the
likes of Salmson, Delahaye and Delage, the company was rife with
chaos in the upper management and built a number of cars that
competed for the same buyers. Rather confusingly, both British and
French versions of Talbot cars were offered, not necessarily
related to one another. Given the confusion in which S.T. D.
Motors, LTD was run, it was not terribly surprising when the firm
collapsed in 1935. In the fallout, the brands were split apart with
Sunbeam and British Talbot going to the English Rootes Group, and
the French side of Talbot (formerly Darracq) fell into the hands of
Italian-born Anthony Lago, who had been acting as General Manager
for the firm for the past year. Lago was a gifted engineer and a
visionary leader, and in his new position as head of his own
automobile company, he set about designing a new, high-performance
engine for the current models still in production. The existing
bottom-end was reworked and an all-new cylinder head was fitted
with overhead valves, hemispherical combustion chambers and
centrally mounted spark plugs, not unlike that of a BMW 328. The
new model was dubbed Grand Sport in 110 horsepower form, or "Baby
Sport" for the 80 horsepower version. All models now had
independent front suspension and Wilson Pre-Select gearboxes were
fitted to the highest spec models. The new engine and chassis
revisions were responsible for the survival of Talbot, with
chassis-only "Lago SS" models supplied to many of the great
Parisian coachbuilders, with the likes of Figoni et Falaschi
building some of their most iconic designs atop Talbo-Lago chassis.
After WWII, Tony Lago again revised his six-cylinder engine,
increasing capacity to 4.5 liters for the T-26 and adding a
re-designed head with twin camshafts and a new seven main bearing
block. This powerful and robust engine proved itself a worthy
competitor in motorsport, winning the grueling 24H LeMans in 1950.
In road trim, the engine was smooth and reliable, making
Talbot-Lagos the preferred choice for European elite to enjoy
cross-continental grand tours. This example, a 1951 T-26 Record
Coupe, wears beautiful coachwork by Henri Chapron, one of the truly
great Parisian designers and coachbuilders. This particular car is
one of three similar designs produced for the Chapron stand at the
Paris Auto Salon. The design was highly regarded by the jury, and
awarded a prize for its progressive, modern elegance. From the show
stand, it was sold new to a Mr. Migliaccio of Italy. It resurfaced
in the early 1970s in the hands of none other than Formula 1 World
Champion and noted motoring enthusiast Phil Hill, who had it
repainted in its original black livery. In 1983 it was sold to Duke
Davenport of Tucson, Arizona who thoroughly enjoyed driving and
showing the car. In his ownership, it was awarded an AACA National
First Place in San Diego, California - an event Mr. Davenport
proudly drove to and from in this gorgeous Talbot-Lago. Following
Mr. Davenport's passing, the Talbot-Lago went to Omaha,
Nebraska-based Don Sears in the late 1990s, then on to two
subsequent owners, the latter of which treated the car to a
sympathetic cosmetic restoration which included all new paintwork
and interior trim. Following the restoration, the car was shown at
the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2003. Today, the
Talbot-Lago presents in lovely condition, the restoration having
mellowed nicely and the car taking on a rich and inviting charm.
The high quality Chapron coachwork is nicely detailed with its
split and louvered bonnet, sliding sunroof, and driving lamps atop
the beautifully sculpted bumpers. The flowing and streamlined
design is interspersed with restrained flashes of chrome and
geometric vents in the wings. It rides on gorgeous 18" Rudge chrome
wire wheels, with the brake drums painted medium red to accent the
lighter of the two body tones. It is a beautiful design and
presented in fine order with a good older restoration, high quality
finishes and excellent bright work. The two-tone red theme
continues inside with the red seats and door cards featuring exotic
ostrich inserts. Burgundy wool carpets are bound in red leather,
and the interior fittings and hardware are very well-presented. The
wood door caps are beautiful, and the dash is done in painted
wood-grain to match. Correct French Jaeger instruments and a Bayard
clock are in good order, as is the switchgear and original
four-spoke steering wheel. The boot has been trimmed in carpet to
match, and is likewise in excellent condition. Beneath the
two-piece louvered bonnet lays the 4.5-liter Tony Lago-designed
inline six, which breathes through twin Zenith carburetors. The
engine, #26538, produces a very healthy 170 horsepower, driving the
rear wheels via a Wilson Pre-Select transmission, as equipped from
new. It is very well presented in clean and tidy order, appearing
very original and largely correct. Thankfully the restorers were
careful to preserve the car's original feel, as it has only
received restoration work as-needed over the years, having never
been fully torn down. That original quality, in combination with
powerful inline six and light, nimble race-derived chassis make
this Talbot-Lago T-26 is an absolute pleasure to drive. The rare
and elegant Henri Chapron Coachwork impart impeccable style to form
what is the ideal formula for a classic Talbot-Lago: Stunning looks
and breathtaking performance in one beautifully crafted package.
This fine automobile would make an excellent touring companion, is
worthy for mid-level shows and concours and it has the performance
and comfort to make an outstanding choice for rallies. For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/5911-1951-talbot-t26-record-coupe/
