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2 - TALBOT-LAGO Record T26 GS Engine by CHAPRON 1950 The flagshi…
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Estimate €30,000 - €50,000
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Description
TALBOT-LAGO Record T26 GS Engine by CHAPRON 1950 The flagship model of the Talbot brand and factory-fitted with a Grand Sport specification engine, this unique saloon body is the work of the master Henri Chapron. It was certainly one of the fastest saloons in the world in 1950 (top speed close to 200 km/h), if not one of the most exclusive. _________________ Make: TALBOT Model: T26 - LRT26 Chassis No.: 101054 Engine No.: 26498 (GS type) CHAPRON bodywork: No. 6849, 4-door saloon Date of first registration: 30/06/1950 Taxable power: 26 hp Registration: ER - 559 - JJ Colour: Grey-blue / red leather upholstery & carpet Mileage (not guaranteed): 83,219 km Wheelbase: 312.5 cm Production: the only known Chapron saloon bodywork Survivor in original condition, to be restored to running order The vehicle is presented with a French ‘COLLECTION’ registration certificate In the same family for over 70 years, following its purchase second-hand in 1955. Historical file containing various documents including the purchase invoice, a copy of the TALBOT factory specification sheet and technical manuals. Bibliographical references: TALBOT Des Talbot-Darracq aux Talbot-Lago, by Alain Spitz, published by E.P.A., page 98. TALBOT-LAGO GRAND SPORT - The car from Paris, by Peter Larson & Ben Erikson, published by Dalton Watson, page 132. ________ When Anthony Lago took over the management of Automobiles Talbot in 1934, he refocused on manufacturing quality and equipped his new models with the Wilson Pre-selective gearbox, which offered significant advantages in terms of driving comfort (quiet operation, safety and robustness). Anthony Lago’s vision also extended to the realm of design. The Talbots from Suresnes underwent a transformation and, before the Second World War, established a truly elegant body style that became characteristic of the brand. Their modern, sleek, low-slung lines remain among the defining features of the era. Like all prestige brands, Talbot also supplied bare chassis, which its customers entrusted to the great master coachbuilders. All vied with one another to create extraordinary models for the Talbot chassis, reflecting both a quest for form and a high standard of craftsmanship. Whether before the Second World War with Figoni’s Super Sport models on 4L chassis or after the war with Saoutchik’s Grand Sport models on T26GS chassis, Talbots were the favourite stylistic exercise for the great French coachbuilders, who created the defining automotive masterpieces of their era. Whilst Talbots distinguished themselves in the 1930s at concours d’élégance, they also proved their mettle on the racetrack. As with Ettore Bugatti or Enzo Ferrari, competing was an absolute necessity for Anthony Lago. All marketing was based on the fact that the Talbot road cars were directly derived from the racing models. It was during the Second World War that work began on the 4.5-litre Lago 2 AC engine. The design choices for this engine were driven by the intention to produce, alongside the road cars, a top-of-the-range version for competition (international regulations at the time permitted a 4.5-litre displacement without a supercharger). The Talbot Lago Record T26 was launched in the spring of 1946 with this 4,482cc twin-cam inline-six engine (93x110) developing 170 hp. The Lago Record T26 was offered in several factory body styles (on a separate chassis and ash wood frame). Highly regarded, it was also bodied by a large number of coachbuilders. At the same time, Anthony Lago was preparing his new racing car and the Lago Grand Sport. For these two models, the T26 Lago Record engine was developed into a high-performance version. The most significant change involved replacing the cast-iron hemispherical cylinder head with an ‘Alpax Gamma’ light-alloy cylinder head. For road use, this engine is fed by three Zenith-Stromberg EX32 carburettors, producing 190 bhp at 4,200 rpm and becoming the “Grand Sport”. The Talbot Lago Record T26 was available with this “Grand Sport” engine as a factory option on just 34 chassis (out of a total production of around 650 Lago Records between 1946 and 1955). It was Anthony Lago’s talent and strategic vision that enabled the inimitable Talbots to secure a string of victories at the top of the podium in several Grands Prix between 1948 and 1951. The long blue Talbots ruled the circuits and the marque reached its peak at the 1950 24 Hours of Le Mans. This was the second edition of the event following a nine-year hiatus due to the war. All the major pre-war makes were present, such as Bentley, Delage, Delahaye... and the newer makes: Aston Martin, Ferrari, Jaguar... After driving for almost the entire race (23 hours) and having digested an excellent ‘rocker arm sandwich’, Louis Rosier from Auvergne won the 1950 24 Hours of Le Mans at the wheel of his Talbot T26C. The Galerie de Chartres is delighted to present this Talbot Lago Record T26, chassis no. 101054. Fitted at the factory with the Type Lago Grand Sport engine No. 26498, this is a chassis with a wheelbase of 312.5 cm commissioned from Talbot by Henri Chapron. The master coachbuilder fitted it with a four-door saloon body featuring a two-piece windscreen and rear-hinged rear doors. This luxurious Talbot is right-hand drive, in keeping with the tradition observed by the majority of French prestige cars of the era. This car is a survivor presented in its original condition, showing the effects of time. The paintwork, chrome and the bodywork as a whole are in fair condition. There are no significant signs of corrosion, but some minor dents are visible (rear right-hand wing, rear valance and corner of the rear right-hand D&G panel). The Rudge-Whitworth centre-hub spoked wheels are in fair condition and fitted with 600 x 18 tyres in poor condition. They reveal the large-diameter brake drums (380mm with twin cylinders on the front wheels) operated by a Lockheed hydraulic system on this model. Stepping inside reveals a particularly luxurious finish with chrome door trim strips. The Hermès steering wheel sits atop a dashboard made of fine wood, fitted with OS gauges in fairly good condition. The odometer reads 83,219 km and the equipment includes a Philips radio, Arvin cabin heating, half-open rear quarter windows on all doors, and rear footrests. Whilst the fine woodwork and carpet show some wear, the red leather upholstery, which appears to be original, is in good condition and has an exquisite patina. The two-part bonnet allows access to the heart of the machine: the famous Grand Sport inline six-cylinder engine with three carburettors is indeed the original unit fitted by the factory to just 34 Lago Record models. As on the racing models, gear changes are handled by the efficient and robust Wilson preselective gearbox mounted on the steering wheel. The mechanical assembly is complete but its operation could not be tested. This close cousin of the engine that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1950 has been out of action since 2021. A rebuild is required to once again enjoy the exhilarating drive of this luxurious Talbot. Having been in the same family for over 70 years, this unique Talbot has a documented history, as evidenced by the file. Dr Genin purchased it second-hand from the Parc Monceau garage in October 1955 for 700,000 francs. The odometer reading at that time was 48,222 km; it has been registered as 2056 H 75 since it was first registered on 30 June 1950 with its first owner, Mr Lavrut. Today, this Talbot has a collector’s registration certificate in SIV format. The most recent invoices from 2021 and 2018 mention the restoration of the radiator. This unique Talbot-Lago, designed by Henri Chapron, ranks among the finest cars ever produced in France. For any discerning enthusiast, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the last masterpieces of the automotive heritage from the first half of the 20th century. Its state of preservation, with its authentic patina, will allow it to be entered in the most prestigious concours d’élégance in a ‘survivor’ class (original/unrestored vehicle). Classic car expert: Ulysse James, 07 63 16 31 52.
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About the sale TABLES - FURNITURE - OBJECTS OF ART FROM THE 18th TO THE 20th CENTURIES
Auction location
Auction time 06/27/2026 at 2:00 PM
Ref. : F0324 - 1
Lot description modified on 06/11/2026 at 4:22 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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