1947 Talbot-Lago T-26 Cabriolet

The featured Talbot-Lago T26 chassis 100109 was given a hemispherical cylinder head design engine, courtesy of Anthony Lago, that is capable of producing 170 horsepower. Drum brakes provided stopping power, while a live rear- and independent front suspension provided support. The engine was matted to a Wilson four-speed preselector gearbox. Figoni created the exterior design and manufactured it with Ovidio Falaschi.

This T26 was ordered by Mr. Ritter in 1947 and wore a pastel blue paint scheme over a red leather interior. It uses the Record's long-wheelbase chassis and is clothed with a two-door cabriolet body style. There are tube-aviation-type front fenders, rear fender skirts, finned rear decklid, chromed grille, Art Deco-themed trim, and concentric-ringed disc wheels.

The car was later purchased by Hollywood director George Sidney and even later by former Pebble Beach Concours co-chairman and Blackhawk Automotive Museum president Lorin Tryon. While in his care, the car was given a Cadillac V-8 engine paired with a Hydra-Matic transmission, and its exterior was refinished in red paint. It remained in his care for many years, and its original engine remained with the vehicle (in storage) during this time. Frank Pritt acquired the car in the 1990s before selling it in January of 2001 at RM Auction's Arizona sale. This was when it entered the current caretaker's ownership.

Soon after purchase, the car was given a comprehensive refurbishment by RM Auto Restoration. Every system and component was rebuilt, and the car's original dual-carbureted T26 engine was rebuilt and reinstalled. It was refinished in the current two-tone scheme of metallic sky blue over a deep midnight blue. The interior was reupholstered with cream leather with blue piping and dark blue carpeting. The cabriolet top was rebuilt with new material. The labor expenses alone were nearly $400,000.

Upon completion, the car won its class at the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and won the Best Postwar European Car award at the 2004 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. It was displayed at the Classic Sports Sunday Mar-a-Lago Concours d'Elegance held in conjunction with the 2013 Cavallino Classic, winning the Best of Show trophy. The cabriolet also won Best of Show at the 2013 Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance.

Additional work was performed by RM Auto Restoration in 2012, which included a gearbox upgrade to a Cotal preselector.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2018

The 4.5-liter engine of the Talbot Lago T26 delivered 170 horsepower, and the chassis was state-of-the-art in the postwar period.

This 1947 Talbot Lago T26 Drophead Coupe by Figoni et Falaschi was once owned by George Sidney, the famous Hollywood director. Perhaps it's no accident that a couple generations of Hollywood characters, from Mighty Mouse to Roger Rabbit, drove extravagant cartoon cars with fat fenders.

Sidney was on a roll during his directing years, and this magnificent creation of Figoni and Tony Lago made a striking statement. From its flamboyant fenders through its artful chrome trim to the subtle decklid spine, Sidney's Talbot Lago drophead coupe expresses the style, flash, and confidence of postwar Hollywood.