French automotive manufacturer Talbot-Lago planned to reveal the T26 Record at the Paris Salon in October 1946. The capital city was selected as a launch location to catch the eye of bourgeois Parisian clientele, the intended target market for the sumptuously appointed car. The new model was available in numerous body styles including a handsome coupé, stylish cabriolet, or as a more practical four-door saloon. Also offered as a rolling chassis, those seeking something even more special could have their new car bodied outside the factory.

Beneath the T26’s chosen coachwork lay an all-new chassis and drivetrain. Fully independent coil-sprung front suspension ensured superior handling, while the trademark pre-selector Wilson gearbox was easier to use than the long-throw and slow-shifting ‘boxes that characterised other cars of the era. A 4.5-litre six-cylinder twin-cam engine developed by Anthony Lago and Carlo Marchetti gave 170 horsepower, making the T26 Record one of the most powerful cars in the world when new. It was a grande routière in the classic sense.

After World War II, the coachbuilder Antem developed a selection of tasteful semi-pontoon designs characterised by a back-sloping grille, front wings that faded elegantly into the bodywork, and rounded rear panels that flowed harmoniously into the svelte rear deck. The overall effect of these Antem bodies was a crisp and sporting style that was at the same time refined, with variations mounted other chassis by Delahaye and Talbot.

Representative of the direction of Antem’s future work, chassis 101001 was displayed on the coachbuilder’s stand at the 1949 Paris Salon as a 1950 model. The car was acquired by its consigning owner in 2008, and though bought in good condition it was soon subject to a bare-metal repaint and fitment of a new interior in tobacco leather. Presenting today in rare Cabriolet form and wearing attractive coachwork by Antem, this Talbot-Lago T26 Record would be at home on the open road as it would the concours lawn.