1950 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Le Mans Barquette

This car was the winner of the 1950 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was owned by privateer Louis Rosier and driven by him and his son Jean-Louis, who together completed 256 laps, one lap ahead of Pierre Meyrat, also driving a Talbot-Lago T26. These winning race cars featured the 4.5-liter engine, producing around 200 horsepower with a top speed of 125 mph. This T26 wears a body created by coachbuilder Dugarreau. It went on to win the Circuit Rouen in 1950 and came in 4th in the Grand Prix de Syracuse and 2nd in the 1951 Grand Prix de Paris. Still owned by Rosier, it raced successfully at several world-renowned events, including the Carrera Panamericana. It also participated in Le Mans two more times before retiring from the race scene in 1955. This Talbot-Lago made its comeback in 1992 at the Mille Miglia, and - a thoroughbred to the core - it was driven by owner Craig Davis at the Italian 1000-mile race in 2000. Twenty-two years later, it was displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance as part of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Centennial (Early) class.