Talbot T26 Record Coupé de Ville Saoutchik

The car could be first seen at the Paris Salon in 1950. It was specifically built for this event, and it wasn't much of a surprise when it won the first prize - Le Grand Prix du Salon, admired by all visitors, including the then-president of France - Vincent Auriol (see pictures below and look for a gentleman in glasses). The one-off design by the famous coachbuilder Jacques Saoutchik was adequately complemented with a lovely 4.5 liter six-cylinder engine by Anthony Lago, which he developed during the war. Its 170 horsepower were supreme for a European car in late 40's. The car was sold to Switzerland, later it was shipped to US where it remained until purchased by our customer and finally brought back to Europe.

We found the car being rather complete, but far from being sound. The original sliding roof was welded together, passenger door was falling off, the interior felt victim to weather and rats. The customer said it clearly - bring it back to the very state as on the day it left Saoutchik's workshop.

The restoration process was very comprehensive with focus on authenticity and originality, which applies to both methods and materials used. The body has stripped all the way and later finished with an extraordinary precise paint job, using period correct color tones.

The engine was disassembled to the last little piece, anything worth saving was carefully renewed, some parts needed to be replaced completely. All chrome parts and decor were mounted prior to the paintjob to achieve perfect harmonisation. The interior is basically all new, however strictly using period correct fabrics.

The car was verified by a well-known Talbot & Saoutchik historian, Mr. Peter Larsen. He gave the car 100 out of 100 points., pričom dostalo 100/100 bodov.