Lot 29

Arizona 2014

1956 Talbot-Lago T14LS

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$423,500 USD | Sold

United States | Phoenix, Arizona

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Chassis No.
140037
Engine No.
16028
  • One of only 54 examples originally built
  • Benefitting from a thorough and exacting restoration
  • Shown at the 2013 Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance

120 hp, 2,500 cc DOHC four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with coil overs, live rear axle with leaf springs, and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 125 in.

The Talbot-Lago marque came to existence in 1935, when Major Anthony E. Lago, head engineer of the Sunbean-Talbot-Darracq's French branch, purchased the French branch of the bankrupt company from the Rootes Group. Lago, with engine designer Walter Becchia, introduced a series of cars that were powered by an all-new six-cylinder design of varying displacements. The engines within these cars featured pushrod-operated overhead valves in a hemispheric combustion chamber, for maximum efficiency. It was one of those models, the Lago Special T150-C, which put the company on the map.

After World War II, a new 4.5-liter engine with twin camshafts was designed and used successfully, including at a win at Le Mans in 1950 by Louis Rosier. In keeping up with the Lago tradition, the same powerplant was used in the short-wheelbase Grand Sport, which remained the most powerful and fastest road car for a few years.

Unfortunately, by 1953, the taxes levied on larger cars devastated Lago's finances, and in 1954, in a last attempt to save his company, the T14LS was introduced. The new car featured a tubular chassis and was powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that had a five main-bearing block, twin in-block camshafts, and a hemispherical alloy cylinder head with twin Zenith 32-millimeter carbs. The new powerplant produced 120 brake horsepower at 5,000 rpm and was mated to an all-synchro Pont-à-Mousson four-speed gearbox. The beautiful body was designed by Carlo Delaisse of Letourneur et Marchant. A total of only 54 T14 models were built, and by 1959, Lago sold out to Simca.

This outstanding Talbot-Lago T14LS, chassis number 140037, was completed in March 1956 and was sold to a Swiss client, with whom it would remain for some time. In 1998, its gentleman owner, Mr. Jackson Brooks, imported the Talbot-Lago into the United States, and it has since changed ownership a few times between enthusiasts.

By 2004, a complete body-off restoration had begun, including the application of a new wood sub-frame for the body. The engine was fully rebuilt, with an increase in compression and a slightly higher lift camshaft. The transmission, differential, brakes, and suspension were all restored to the highest standard. Additional work that took place during the restoration included the fabrication and installation of a new wiring harness, as well as fully refitting the interior, which was done in a chocolate over grey Connolly leather. This beautiful color, which now complements the highly attractive bodywork, was finished in an exquisite Verte Cendre Metallize, or Sage Green Metallic.

The owner reports that the Talbot drives and performs exceptionally well since the completion of its restoration, and its cosmetic condition is in equally impressive condition. Attesting to this, it has been shown at numerous concours and events around the world, where it has always performed admirably, including at the 2012 Hillsborough Concours d'Elegance, where it received a class award and the Honorary Judge Perpetual Award. In 2013, the Talbot-Lago was dignified with an invitation to participate in the Concourso Villa d'Este, where it won Most Sensitive Restoration, which was an impressive feat given the significant entries it faced in judging at this highly exclusive European event.

This supremely elegant and beautifully finished Talbot-Lago grand touring car, which is complete with its FIVA identity card, represents the very finest of France’s post-war efforts, and we encourage close inspection of this particularly rare and desirable example.