1950 Talbot-Lago T26C Grand Prix

A single-seat sensation developed for competition, the Talbot-Lago T26C was produced in two different series from 1948 through 1952. “Ours was number two of the second series,” says Mullin. “The significance of that was the addition of a twin-plug ignition to the second-series cars, which gave them another 50 hp.” The twin plugs, combined with […]

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Viju Mathew

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1950 Talbot-Lago T26C Grand Prix

6 Classics from the Mullin Automotive Museum Make Their Way to Monterey Car Week

Photo: Courtesy Mullin Automotive Museum.

Mullin’s 1950 Talbot-Lago T26C Grand Prix took first place at the 1950 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Photo: Courtesy Mullin Automotive Museum.

A single-seat sensation developed for competition, the Talbot-Lago T26C was produced in two different series from 1948 through 1952. “Ours was number two of the second series,” says Mullin. “The significance of that was the addition of a twin-plug ignition to the second-series cars, which gave them another 50 hp.” The twin plugs, combined with an unsupercharged 4.5-liter engine, helped give the T26C the ability to tear up the track at up to 165 mph.

Rich with provenance, Mullin’s chassis No. 110052 took first place at the 1950 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans while being driven by the team of Louis Rosier and his son. The duo averaged 89.5 mph for the duration of the race.

On August 19, the Talbot-Lago will be piloted by past Le Mans racer Hans Hugenholtz Jr. at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca as part of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.