This beautiful French sports car is one of only 54 examples originally built. Furthermore, this example having aluminum doors, hood and trunk lid would indicate it is one of the reputed seven or eight that were built to Sport Spécial specifications. Production numbers do appear to vary slightly depending upon source; without doubt this car is rare.

The number of exotic and exciting cars being built by the French soon after World War II was rather limited. Talbot-Lago, one of the more famous names in Grand Prix and production car history, on the other hand introduced such a car at the Paris Auto Salon in 1955. It was designed by Carlo Delaisse, who was the chief designer for Letourneur et Marchand. Typical of many French cars, the detail found can be intoxicating. The gas cap is a perfect example of unique design elements.

This Talbot-Lago is a 1956 T14LS, chassis number 140019. The history, as we know it, is as follows: in 1971, the car was imported into England and registered with OUG2 license plate, considered a cherished number (for unstated reasons). It was registered to a Simon Francis Phillips, from London SW7, around this time. That particular plate was removed and presumably placed on another of his cars. The Talbot became registered with PRK38K around 19th February 1976. The next registered owner was Mrs.Hilda Lewis, 47 Grosvenor Square, London W1A, a very posh and expensive part of London. The next owner was from the United States; Mr. John Heil. Mr. Heil bought the car in 1988 and imported it to the United States.

During this timeframe, the Talbot-Lago was raced at some of the Palm Springs vintage events. At that time, Mr. Heil had the car set up for that purpose, including a rollbar and competition seat belts (both removed, but available) and the obligatory catch and vent tanks for oil and water reclamation. The car remained in his, and then his family’s possession, until being acquired from his estate.

The car has a BMW V-8 of the BMW 503 / 507 variety; the same as what was fitted into the Talbot-Lago America. This engine has been in it since prior to arriving in England in 1971. The original English log book shows it as having this engine; with engine number 21900, the same number as it has today.

The interior has been redone completely and it is superb, being finished in high-quality leather and Wilton Wool style carpeting. The interior is restored to what is believed to be original style and standards.

The paint is very good, but is by all accounts about 20-years old. It is finished in French Blue with black leather interior. Because of the nature of the cars history, the current owner has taken the liberty of changing the wheel color to black to give the car a more masculine look and posture, which it has done admirably. These wire wheels are attached by knock-off caps, a perfect accompaniment for this sports car.

The Talbot–Lago is a perfect candidate for someone who wants to have a very rare car. This is further enhanced by being able to utilize the machine in many of the historic driving events that are on schedule; such as the California Mille Miglia, Colorado Grand and more. There are copies of the English registrations and the build sheet from Talbot-Lago, along with numerous records and articles relating to the car. This is an exciting and uncommon design from a prestigious European manufacturer.