Fantasy Junction

Description

1948 Talbot-Lago T26C Grand Prix Race Car
s/n 110004 engine no. 45102
Blue with Black Leather Interior

The direct result of Antoine Lago`s fondness for glamorous and well-engineered cars, as well as his belief that racing could provide a tremendous image boost for road car sales, this car is considered to be the ultimate development of the racing Talbot-Lagos. He came to control the company after years of uninspiring offerings under the Talbot-Darracq name, and immediately overhauled the model line to include such now legendary names like the T150SS. The company also went racing, with some success, which was limited by the omnipotence of the Auto Union and Mercedes Grand Prix cars during the late 30`s. Nevertheless, the cars achieved remarkable success, both before and after the Second World War, despite the relatively tightly stretched finances of the factory effort.

After the war, the engine was enlarged from four litres to four and a half, and fitted with a second camshaft. With hemispherical combustion chambers, the engine was reported to be good for nearly 300hp at its leisurely 4900rpm redline. Compared to the earlier cars, these postwar models incorporated tremendous advances in the areas of suspension, brakes, and powerplant. Running in the merged Formula and Voiturette classes along with 1.5 liter supercharged cars, the T26C proved to be slower outright but more reliable and fuel efficient, resulting many tactically interesting races. The tactics seemed to work and the car racked up many successes, including quite a number of Grand Prix and Formula 1 credits (including a win at Le Mans in 1950). This included several GP victories, including the Coupe du Salon, the French Grand Prix, and the Belgian Grand Prix, while the sports car version went on to win Le Mans in 1950 and very nearly 1952 as well (engine failure while in the lead with 45 minutes remaining). Another unique characteristic of these cars was that the same engine was used in the street cars, and unthinkable proposition compared to the contemporary offerings from most other companies.

This particular car was originally sold to a Mr. Peinetti who kept the car for five years. It was raced in all the major GP races of 1948 (eleven of them) by Gianfranco Comotti (famous for having driven the first Ferrari during its first competition outing in 1947), and then in the GP of Buenos Aires in 1952. It was then sold to Carlos Najurieta, a well-knonw Argentine motorsport character. It was at some point fitted a non-original engine, though the original engine would be reunited with the car in the 1990`s under the ownership of Phillipe Renault. It later passed through passed through the hands of a series of collectors and enthusiasts in Europe, and was campaigned in the major vintage events by then owner Paul Grist from1979 to 1984. The car then changed owners again and continued to be actively campaigned into the 90`s. During the same time, the car was repainted, and went on to win second place at Pebble Beach in 2001. It has been campaigned in historic racing events since then and has been recently treated to a major mechanical overhaul at a cost of over $70,000. This included rebuilds of the engine and transmission, new interior (the original is included with the car), new wheels, and new tires. At the present time, it is in excellent condition and is fitted with its original engine, transmission, chassis, and major components. The car also has a roll bar and FIA papers.

More to come.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608