09 Jun 1949 TALBOT-LAGO T26 GRAND SPORT CONVERTIBLE

Formed in 1936 in France, Talbot-Lago became world-renowned for cars like the 1937 T-150-C-SS “Teardrop” coupe, a landmark prewar design. Post-WWII, Talbot-Lago’s output was still as striking, as seen with the 1949 T26 Grand Sport here. Powered by a 190-horsepower 4.5-liter inline-six, the T26 was built to cross the Continent at speed and in comfort, with a unique preselector transmission that eliminated the clutch.

This T26 is a completely unrestored example and one of just three short-chassis made. The car’s lines were penned by designer Claude Delaisse, with the coachwork formed by Paris-based coachbuilder Dubos, known for the Bugatti Type 51 Dubos. The car will cross the auction block at Bonham’s Quail Lodge event in August.

curated by ozzie small