Vehicle Description
The Talbot-Lago T26 Record, introduced in October 1946 at the Paris
Salon, featured a newly designed chassis and drivetrain. At the
heart of this automobile was a magnificent 4.5-liter, twin-cam,
six-cylinder "hemi" engine, developed by Major Anthony Lago and
chief engineer Carlo Marchetti during World War II. This engine not
only looked exquisite with its polished Art Deco valve cover, but
it also produced an impressive 170 horsepower, making the Record
one of the most powerful production cars of the early post-war era.
The chassis was also updated with independent coil spring front
suspension, enhancing the car's handling capabilities, while the
Wilson pre-selector gearbox provided a delightful driving
experience compared to the long-throw transmissions common in other
grand touring models of the period.
The sleek, classic grand touring body styles were based on original
1934 factory designs, with tasteful updates by renowned designer
Carlo Delaisse. This car, a Cabriolet d'Usine (Chassis number
100064) is an early production Record delivered to the Belgian
dealer, Guerret of Brussels in late 1947 and sold the following
year. As an early "factory convertible," it features the elegant
windshield surround without a top bar, full chrome trim, and
free-standing chrome headlamps. The Talbot was later found in
Belgium and brought to the United States in the 1960s, where it was
owned for many years by a longtime Classic Car Club of America
member, Joseph Cantore. It was subsequently acquired by well-known
collector William Ruger Jr. in its original, unrestored condition
with just 26,000 miles.
In 2004, Ruger commissioned a comprehensive restoration by Chris
Charlton of Oxford, Maine, focusing on authenticity and
originality. This meticulous restoration involved the disassembly
and rebuilding of all mechanical components, as well as the careful
refinishing of the bodywork, interior, and other details to ensure
the car's return to its former glory. The restoration, which took
over 4,200 hours to complete, has been meticulously
well-maintained, and the car remains in stunning condition today.
The Talbot-Lago was more recently owned by Orin Robert Smith, and
later by John Shibles in 2017. Freshly serviced, this T26 Record
Cabriolet d'Usine is an exceptional example.
