1950 Talbot-Lago T-26 Record Coupe

Anthony Lago, often called 'Tony,' was born in Italy and received his engineering training in France. He worked as an army officer during the first World War and later spent some time in England before returning to France.

The early Talbot Lago became well known for their accomplishments at racing. At the 1938 LeMans, a Talbot Lago achieved a third-place finish. In 1937 at the French Grand Prix, the Talbot-Lagos finished in the top three spots.

In the post-World War II era, Lago issued a single-model policy powered by a 4482-cc six-cylinder engine derived from a competition engine used prior to World War II. The engine had twin high camshafts and could produce 170 horsepower. With further modifications, such as adapting a third carburetor, the horsepower rating rose to nearly 200. A Wilson pre-selector gearbox sent the power to the rear wheels.

The name for the single-model series was the T-26, and most left the factory as complete vehicles. Some were sent custom coachbuilders to receive their bodies to accommodate the unique demands of exclusive customers. Notable coachbuilders were Saoutchik, Pinin Farina, Graber, and Chapron.

Talbot continued their racing pedigree after the War and did rather well. In 1950 a single-seat Talbot Lago won the 24 Hours of LeMans.

This 1950 Talbot Lago T-26 Record Coupe is a two-door coupe body with coachwork provided by Henri Chapron. It is powered by a 4482-cc OHV engine that produces 170 horsepower. It is a right-hand drive vehicle with a sliding sunroof. The odometer reads 35,000 miles since new and its interior is finished in Red Ostrich. The car has been treated to a restoration since new and is now in concours condition. The exterior is finished in light-dark maroon combination.

This T-26 was offered for sale at the 2006 Gooding & Company Auction held in Pebble Beach, CA, where it was estimated to sell for $120,000-$150,000. At the conclusion of the auction, the car had been left unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2007