1956 Talbot-Lago T14 LS

Major Anthony E. Lago was the head engineer of the Sunbean-Talbot-Darracq's French branch when he acquired the French branch of the bankrupt company from the Rootes Group in 1935. With assistance from engine designer Walter Becchia, the company introduced a series of models powered by an all-new six-cylinder design of varying displacement sizes. The sophisticated engines powering these cars utilized pushrod-operated overhead valves in a hemispheric combustion chamber and would carry the Talbot-Lago to victory in Grand Prix competition.

When peacetime resumed following World War II, Talbot-Lago introduced a new 4.5-liter engine with twin camshafts that would help Louis Rosier score a victory at Le Mans in 1950. In Lago tradition, this same engine was used in the company's short-wheelbase Grand Sport, which remained the most powerful and fastest road car for a few years.

By 1953, Lago's fiances were in jeopardy due to taxes levied on larger cars, resulting in a marketplace that avoided such cars and instead, gravitated to lower displacement options. In an attempt to save his company, the T14LS was introduced in 1954.

Talbot-Lago T14LS
The Tablot-Lago TL14LS received a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with five-main bearings, twin in-block camshafts, and a hemispherical alloy cylinder head with twin Zenith 32-millimeter carburetors. It produced 120 brake horsepower at 5,0000 RPM and was paired to an all-synchro Pont-à-Mousson four-speed gearbox. The tubular chassis was suspended by an independent front suspension and was clothed with elegant coachwork designed by Carlo Delaisse of Letourneur et Marchant. Early examples were comprised of all-aluminum bodywork, while later examples used more steel. Much of the styling was borrowed from the Record Grand Sport.

Talbot-Lago introduced its T14LS in 1954 at the Paris Motor Show, with production versions ready by May 1955. By the time production ended and the company sold out to Simca, a total of 54 examples of the T14 models had been built.

Talbot later rebranded the model around 1957 to help stimulate sales, calling it the Talbot Lago America. By this point, the engines were being supplied by BMW, a 2,580cc V8 unit that was detuned to 2,476cc to comply with the 14CV car tax band. The Talbot Lago America had left-hand drive configuration, while previous examples had used right-hand drive.

Of the 54 examples built, around seven or eight examples were built to Sport Spécial specifications, with aluminum doors, hood and trunk lid. They rode on Borrani wheels and the engine was tuned with high-lift camshafts, giving enhanced performance.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2023