1953 Talbot-Lago T26 GSL (Grand Sport Longue)
- Engine
- 4.5L OHV twin-cam inline-six, three Solex carburetors, 210 bhp at 4,500 rpm
- Colour
- Burgundy
The Talbot-Lago T26 GSL (Grand Sport Longue) was introduced at the 1953 Paris Salon as a refined grand tourer built on a shortened, lightened Lago Record chassis carrying the celebrated twin-cam T26 six-cylinder engine producing 210 bhp. With coachwork styled by Carlo Delaisse, fewer than 21 examples were constructed before production ceased in 1954–55, making it among the final cars to use the T26 engine. Chassis 111006 received a thorough restoration roughly a quarter-century ago and has since benefited from extensive mechanical and cosmetic attention by subsequent careful owners.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$385,000
- Date unknownLong-term owner prior to current vendorpartial documentation
This owner carried out mechanical attention including engine work, a new exhaust, fresh tires, and period-correct carpeting. The high-quality restoration undertaken roughly 25 years before the catalogue date preceded or overlapped this ownership period.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCurrent vendorpartial documentation
Acquired the car approximately five years before the auction date and undertook extensive mechanical and cosmetic work including a full rewire, brake and suspension rebuilds, engine servicing, interior retrim in original color, and a fresh repaint in burgundy.
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
A high-quality comprehensive restoration was carried out on chassis 111006, believed to have taken place roughly 25 years before the catalogue date.
- —Mechanical
Engine was attended to and fettled; a new exhaust system and new tyres were fitted, and the interior carpet was replaced with a period-correct style.
Work carried out during the tenure of the owner preceding the current vendor.
- —Maintenance
Complete rewiring of the car, with all instruments and electrical components rebuilt.
Commissioned by the current vendor.
- —Mechanical
Brake system fully rebuilt; Wilson pre-selector transmission serviced.
Commissioned by the current vendor.
- —Engine rebuild
Engine serviced including renewal of the rear crankshaft seal and a full rebuild of the oil pump.
Commissioned by the current vendor.
- —Mechanical
Suspension system inspected and rebuilt throughout; rear springs replaced to restore correct ride height and levelling.
Commissioned by the current vendor.
- —Bodywork
Interior retrimmed in the original colour scheme; engine bay and boot area freshened; rear windows replaced; exterior repainted in burgundy complementing the cognac leather upholstery.
Commissioned by the current vendor.
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