Summary

The Talbot-Lago T-26 Grand Sport features a 4.5 liter, dual overhead cam, hemi head six with triple carburetors and factory exhaust cut-out.

Details

Only 19 T26 Grand Sports were built on chassis identical to that of the winning Grand Prix/LeMans racers. The powerful 4.5 Liter Six was slightly detuned to 210hp at 4,500rpm and the gorgeous passenger car body added some weight, but underneath, it's the same world-class car. In the '50s, the Grand Sport's performance, 0 to 60 in 12 seconds and a top speed of 125mph, made it one of the quickest and fastest of all passenger cars. T26 Grand Sport serial numbers 111001 to 111019 were given a new standardized body supplied by Facel-Metallon. Each Grand Sport is different in detail, but all share the distinctive new envelope body. In the early-'50s, this was very modern in design, clean and aerodynamic. It's comparable to contemporary Ferrari and Aston Martin models, and evocative of the landmark BMW 507. The T26 Grand Sport on offer, #111017, is one of the best known and documented in the world. Finished in Rouge with beige leather interior, it was delivered to Monsieur Regy on July 4, 1955. It was factory equipped with an optional heater and also the rare factory Competition Package, which includes Dunlop tires, Borgo sport pistons, triple Solex carburetors with low restriction air cleaners, hotter cam, lightweight bumpers, driving lights, unique side-exit exhaust with cut-out and a quick-fill gas filler in the trunk. In the '80s professionally restored and refinished in the correct Rouge exterior with beige interior. It was redone again in 2010, with engine and mechanicals rebuilt by Bob Moser, professionally refreshed in the autumn of 2013 and it is as immaculate and correct as a Grand Sport can be. As proof of the robust and reliable nature of the T26 chassis, this car successfully completed five Colorado Grand and two Copperstate 1000 rallies without a hiccup.