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The new T26 'Lago-Record' was the world's most powerful production car when it was launched in 1946, with a 4.5-liter engine derived from the company's robust Grand Prix power unit. It had twin Stromberg EX 32 carburetors, hemispherical combustion chambers with a compression ratio of 7.0:1 (as high as poor quality postwar fuel could cope with), and produced 170bhp at 4200rpm. The T26 had twin camshafts mounted high in the cylinder block on either side of the crankshaft centerline. Compared with the previous single-cam design, this configuration lightened the valve gear to give more dependable high-rpm operation.

With a long length, art-deco appointments and classic lines our feature T26 has striking bodywork. Giuseppe Figoni penned the design and manufactured it with his business partner Ovidio Falaschi. As early as the 1930s, the two were manufacturing disappearing tops for Delahaye cabriolets. While these were typically two seat roadster affairs, this four seat cabriolet must have been one of their largest projects.

Unique details that set this cabriolet apart from any other Talbot are its unusual grill and three-piece bumpers. While these elements are uneasy, the grace of the fender lines, particularly at the rear with chrome accents and center fin are particularly elegant.

Underneath the steel skin, a Talbot-Lago T26 Record chassis number 100109 was used to support the massive body. When built, this prewar chassis was highly modern and its engine was tuned by Anthony Lago to achieve 170 bhp with a hemispherical cylinder head design. At some point, the original engine and drive train belonging to 100109 were replaced by Cadillac units, while the originals were crated and stored.

In 2003 this car was subject to a frame-off restoration by RM Coachworks in Canada. They reunited the car with its original engine, and refurbished every part. The completed car debuted at the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours where it looked just as striking as it was in 1947. It has since won numerous awards at every major concours across America and is seen above at the 2006 Palm Beach Concours.

Chassis & Sales

1949 Talbot-Lago T26 Record Figoni & Falaschi Four-Seat Cabriolet 100047 - sold for $375,500 Buyers are reminded that this exceptional Talbot Lago has been a museum exhibit for a number of years so re-commissioning for road use is recommended. It has however enjoyed a recent and modest road test where engine, gearbox and brakes were reported to be in good working order.
Gallery: 2006 Monterey Preview

1949 Talbot-Lago T26 Record Drophead Coupe 101003 - sold for $122,500 On recent inspection the Talbot Lago’s engine and gearbox were reported to be in good working order, and although the brakes are operational, they would benefit from attention. This elegant coachbuilt express formed part of the legendary Rosso Bianco collection and is offered for sale for the first time in many years.
Gallery: 2006 Monterey Preview

1947 Talbot Lago T26 Record Cabriolet 100365 - sold for $214,500 The example offered here is a T26 Talbot Lago Record, Tony Lago’s postwar premier cabriolet. Although it carries factory coachwork, the design was heavily influenced by the work of renowned French coachbuilder, Figoni et Falaschi. Nonetheless, each Record is slightly different, having been hand built and tailored to the client’s wishes. The striking example offered here was built in 1947 for a French naval officer and was delivered December... more
Gallery: 2008 Monterey Preview

1947 Talbot-Lago T26 Record Cabriolet - did not sell for $160,000 The striking example offered here was reportedly built in 1947 for a French naval officer and was delivered December 16, 1948. Well known in French car circles, this spectacular Talbot has benefited from a comprehensive body-off restoration to professional standards by Richard Adatto, a noted marque expert. He reports that no expense was spared to restore the car to authentic condition. The car was invited to Pebble Beach in 1992 and won Be... more
Gallery: 2009 RM Auctions Sports & Classics of Monterey

949 Talbot-Lago T26 Record Figoni & Falaschi 4-Seat Cabriolet 100047 - sold for €198,442 Today, the Record is offered from the O’Quinn Collection in the United States, which acquired 100047 in 2006. Prior to that, it was exhibited in the Rosso Bianco Museum for some years. It has been properly stored and has seen little, if any, use since then. After acquiring the car, Mr. O’Quinn elected to send it to France to Ateliers Tessier for a full body-off restoration. Work was started on the car as the car was fully dismantled, but the r... more
Gallery: 2010 Automobiles of London by RM Auctions

1947 Talbot-Lago T-26 Record Sedan 101035 - sold for $66,000 This rare, unrestored and remarkably original 1947 Talbot-Lago T26 Record Sedan, chassis 101035, was first registered in France in July 1950. From 1953 to 1961, it served with the Consulate General of France at their Denver, Colorado administrative center. The car was then transferred to Mr. Dabney Collins, a local dealer and racer, who had been servicing the car for the Consulate. In 1961, at 44,620 km, Mr. Collins sold the car to Mr. Hayes L... more
Gallery: 2011 Amelia Island Auction by RM Auctions

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