Concept Cars Home
1947 Talbot-Lago T-26

Model HistoryAuction sales researchSpecificationsBody styles and Chassis Data

Exterior Photos

Interior Photos

Record Drophead Coupe
Coachwork: Dubos
Chassis Num: T26100365
 
Sold for $214,500 at 2008 RM Auctions.
High bid of $175,000 at 2009 Worldwide Auctioneers. (did not sell)
High bid of $160,000 at 2009 RM Auctions. (did not sell)
Talbot was one of the oldest automobile manufacturers in France and one of the oldest in the world. Its history includes several acquisitioned, ending as a subsidiary of Britain's Sunbeam. In 1933, Antonio Lago was sent by Sunbeam management to the Automobiles Talbot factory in the Paris suburb of Suresnes.

The Talbot inline six-cylinder engine was a reliable unit though it was lacking in performance. Lago solved that shortcoming by designing a hemispherical combustion chamber pushrod overhead valve cylinder head for the engine. The result was more performance yet retaining its proven reliability. Lago later resigned from Sunbeam to focus his full attention on developing Talbot. The displacement size eventually grew to 4.5-liters, and became successful in both Grand Prix race cars and sports cars.

After the Second World War, Talbot resumed production of its pre-war models. By this point in history, the engines had twin camshafts that were located high in the block, operating the hemi-head valves through short pushrods and rockers.

The Talbot-Lago T26 Record models were fitted with dual carburetor engines rated at around 170 horsepower. In keeping with Lago's early career history, Wilson pre-selector transmissions were used, where he had worked early in his career.

The first owner of this T26 Record Cabriolet was a French naval officer who took ownership in early 1948. It was treated to a restoration in the 1990's by Richard Adatto. It won its class at Pebble Beach in 1992 and has won several other significant awards since that time. It is a CCCA Senior National First Prize winner, which it earned in 1994. It won its class, was judged 100 points and obtained senior status.

The car is painted in Blue with Grey leather upholstery, a Black cloth top and a Tan cloth top boot. The car rides on Blackwall Michelin tires and chrome wire wheels. It has factory coachwork that has a design heavily influenced by the French coachbuilder, Figoni et Falaschi. Each Record is slightly different, having been hand built and tailored to client's specifications.

The first owner of this car was a French naval officer who took ownership on December 16th of 1948.

In 2008, this 1947 Talbot-Lago T-26 Record Cabriolet was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $300,000 - $375,000. A high bid of $214,500 including buyer's premium was enough to secure new ownership. The lot was sold.

In 2009, it was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction presented by Worldwide Auctioneers in Seabrook, Texas. The lot was estimated to sell for $260,000 - $290,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had failed to sell after reaching a high bid of $175,000 US dollars.

In 2009, this 1948 Allard M Type Coupe was offered for sale at the Sports & Classics of Monterey auction in Monterey, California presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $180,000-$230,000. The lot failed to sell after receiving a high bid of $160,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2009

Auction Sales Information
AuctionWorldwide Auctioneers : The Houston Classic Auction
Estimated Value:$260,000-$290,000 
High Bid (Lot was not sold)$175,000
AuctionSports & Classics of Monterey by RM Auctions
Estimated Value:$300,000-$375,000 
Sale Price$214,500
AuctionSports & Classics of Monterey
Estimated Value:$180,000-$230,000 
High Bid (Lot was not sold)$160,000

EventGroup 
Amelia Island Concours d'EleganceEuropean Custom Coachwork French 
Sports & Classics of Monterey1941-1952 
Worldwide Auctioneers : The Houston Classic Auction1941-1956 
Sports & Classics of Monterey by RM Auctions1936-1949 
Eastern Division AACA National Fall MeetHyman Ltd. Classic Cars