1948 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport by Figoni & Falaschi

This Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport is a true one-off, commissioned by the wealthy and influential French industrialist Fayolle, who made his fortune in the manufacture of zippers. For the coachwork, Fayolle entrusted Figoni et Falaschi, asking them to create a design in keeping with their famous “Teardrop” tradition (Goutte d’Eau). The origins of the T26 Grand Sport go back to Anthony Lago’s decision to offer an exclusive, road-going sports chassis that could be bodied by the few remaining European coachbuilders of the post-war era. Powered by a 4.5-litre inline six-cylinder engine, these rare automobiles represented the ultimate high-performance grand routiers — machines capable of serving a Grand Prix team while remaining competitive enough to win at Le Mans. This particular example was bodied by Joseph Figoni and is the only Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport ever fitted with coachwork by Figoni et Falaschi. The elegant fastback coupé subtly reflects Figoni’s famous teardrop forms while also embracing the emerging pontoon design language of the post-war period. The car was presented to the public at the 1950 Paris Motor Show, where its advanced and dramatic design immediately set it apart from other automobiles. Decades later, the car’s extraordinary significance and beauty were once again confirmed on the concours stage. In 2018, it made a remarkable impression at Pebble Beach, where it was nominated for the prestigious Best of Show award. The following year, in 2019, it achieved the highest honors by winning the Best of Show Award at Chantilly Arts & Elegance, followed only months later by another Best of Show victory at Salon Privé.