The Talbot-Lago Record T26 represented the pinnacle of the French marque’s post-war sedan production. Beneath its restrained appearance lay the celebrated 4.5-litre inline-six that also powered the sporting Grand Sport models, making it one of the most sophisticated luxury cars of its era. While most Record T26s were delivered with factory coachwork, a small number received bespoke bodies from France’s leading coachbuilders, among them Henri Chapron, whose elegant designs are now among the most sought-after in the collector market.

This 1950 Talbot-Lago Record T26 is one of those rare Chapron-bodied cars and is fitted from new with the more desirable Grand Sport-specification engine. According to the seller, it has remained in the same family since 1955 and is accompanied by an unusually complete history file, including the original purchase invoice, a copy of the Talbot factory data sheet and technical manuals. The photographs show an unrestored, remarkably complete car retaining its original interior, wood trim and numerous period details. The seller states that the car has not been running since 2021 but is offered with French historic registration documents.

Cars of this type seldom appear on the market, particularly with continuous long-term ownership and documented provenance. Even so, a buyer should expect a thorough mechanical recommissioning after several years off the road and verify the condition of the Grand Sport engine and Chapron bodywork during inspection. The absence of an asking price suggests the seller is targeting collectors already familiar with the rarity and significance of this particular Talbot-Lago. Find it for sale here in Chartres, France.