For Sale: 1947 Talbot-Lago T26 in Costa Mesa, California

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.