Strong points

• Magnificent T26 Record bodied by Dubos
• One of only 71 convertibles of this model in existence
• One of the most powerful luxury cars in the world when it first came out
• Regularly used for European rallies by its passionate owner
• Interesting mix of restored and original parts
• Work carried out on the engine, including overhaul of the cylinder head

The appeal

History and documents

• T26 Record bodied by Dubos in 1949 in Paris
• Originally sold in Switzerland by Montel Garage
• Owned by several Swiss enthusiasts before being acquired by the seller
• Owned by the seller for 10 years
• Used for classic car events and rallies in France and Germany
• Body number 334 by Dubos built to Talbot designs
• One of 71 T26 cabriolets
• Some older restoration work, including chrome plating
• The interior, we are told, is original
• The T26 was launched in 1946 and designed to resemble pre-war Talbots

Dubos, based near Paris, reluctantly began bodybuilding cars rather than horse-drawn carts in the 1920s and became the specialist of choice for Talbot after the Lago takeover. Working to designs laid down by Talbot, the company produced a series of superb convertibles based on the T26. Only 71 are believed to have been completed.

Condition

• Beautiful Dubos bodywork finished to a high standard in light green accented by re-chromed trim
• Contrasting dark brown cloth roof and original caramel leather interior
• Underbody in good condition, with no problems to report
• Superb detailing abounds and is all in good condition
• Some very light marks around the car but difficult to spot and do not detract from the appearance
• Fitted with elegant whitewall tyres with chrome rims
• Black roof in good condition
• Beautiful interior in original factory condition with original leather seats
• Well-maintained woodwork showing very slight but not unsightly deterioration
• Complete set of magnificent Jaeger dials with no reported functional problems

From its flowing lines to its handcrafted interior, this T26 reflects every inch of Tony Lago's intention to create the most desirable luxury automobile. The design is utterly exquisite, the lines sharp and particularly attractive with this car's light green paintwork.

Having also been through an earlier restoration that included exterior chrome plating, this car presents itself in exceptional condition with good panel fit and well-maintained paintwork. The large roof is also well maintained. We are told that the interior is original, neatly finished in dark caramel leather with matching dark wood veneers. It is complete and, appreciably, unmodified despite the passage of 74 years, its originality reflected in a slight patina on the leather and wood. But this is hardly unsightly and is part of the character of this exceptional vintage car.

The engine

• Talbot-Lago 4,483 cm³ twin-cam engine designed by Carlo Machetti
• Claimed by the factory to deliver 26hp and 165 bhp when new
• Originally would probably have run on three carburettors, but now appears to be fitted with two
• 4-speed manual gearbox with sequential column shift
• Rear-wheel drive with independent front suspension
• The cylinder head was overhauled during the vendor's tenure, with valves and guides replaced

Tony Lago's vision for the T26 was not only to offer a very luxurious car, he also wanted it to be among the fastest and most powerful ever produced. The car was not only to consolidate Talbot-Lago's reputation at the pinnacle of motoring, but also to commemorate its racing victories.

The Record was fitted with a new 4.5-litre 6-cylinder engine with twin camshafts, designed by the firm's new engineer at the time, Carlo Machetti. Developing a claimed 165 bhp through the rear wheels, transmitted through a four-speed manual gearbox, the car could reach 160 km/h (100 mph).

The car was regularly used by its vendor, notably in classic car rallies in France and Germany. It also benefited during this period of ownership from a cylinder head overhaul, which included the replacement of the valves and valve guides. We are told that it runs correctly and that no mechanical problems have been reported.