1954 Talbot-Lago T-26 Grand Sport Convertible Coupé

In 1935, the Talbot-Lago company was merged with the Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq, when Major A.F. 'Tony' Lago bought the Darracq factory at Suresnes and continued production, selling his cars as Darracqs in the UK and Talbots in France. The company continued in both sports car and Grand Prix racing. In 1937 they achieved victories in the French Grand Prix and the Tourist Trophy. In the post-War era, a victory was earned at LeMans.

The 4.0-liter Lago models were revived in 1946 as the Record. They were given hydraulic brakes, a Wilson pre-selector gearbox, and a 4.5-liter version of the classic long-stroke, cross-pushrod engine. Power output was exceptional, rated at 170 bhp. For those serious privateers looking for an additional advantage, there was the short-wheelbase Grand Sport fitted with a 190bhp engine.

By the early 1950s, the company's future looked bleak. Lago pressed onward, and introduced a new flagship model at the October 1952 Paris Salon. It was the Talbot-Lago Grand Sport dressed in 2+2 coachwork, designed by Carlo Delaisse of Letourneur & Marchand, and built in-house. Just like the 1946 Record in its day, the Grand Sport was given a 4.5-liter engine derived from the Grand Prix Talbot unit.

There were only 51 examples of the Grand Sport 4.5-liter cars ever produced. This example is chassis number 5302. It left the Suresnes plant on February 4th, 1954, for delivery to its first owner, Mr. Counil. Since that time, the car has had five caretakers.

Over the past two decades, the car has undergone extensive restoration. The engine was rebuilt in the 1980s. The chassis, suspension, and braking system were overhauled in the 1990s. It is currently painted in Navy Blue. A full re-trim in beige leather was done in 2000.

In 2008, this Grand Sport Coupe was offered for sale at the 'Quail Lodge, A Sale of Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia' presented by Bonhams Auction. It was sold for $205,000, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2008