Engine – 4,483 cc Inline Six-Cylinder
Chassis – 100109
Coachwork – Figoni et Falaschi
Figoni Fabrication Number – 1015

"L'invincible Talbot"

Before the Second World War, Talbot-Lago and Figoni et Falaschi became closely associated through the teardrop coupés built on the Lago SS chassis. Their collaboration continued after Talbot-Lago resumed production at Suresnes in 1946. The new T26 Record combined a 4.5-liter six-cylinder engine with independent front suspension and was available with factory coachwork or as a chassis for a body built to individual order.

In 1947, Figoni et Falaschi completed this cabriolet for a customer identified in the coachbuilder’s records as “Mr. Ritter.” Finished in pastel blue over red leather, chassis 100109 was fitted with fenders that Figoni described as tube aviation, double at the front and single at the rear. Enclosed rear wheels allowed the rear fenders to extend uninterrupted along the body.

By 1954, the Talbot belonged to Hollywood director George Sidney, best known for Anchors Away, Bye Bye Birdie, and Viva Los Vegas. A United Press photograph shows Sidney with the cabriolet in Los Angeles, where, according to its caption, photographers regularly sought out the car as a backdrop. During Sidney’s ownership, a Cadillac V-8 and automatic transmission were installed, but fortunately, the original Talbot six remained with the automobile. It was later rebuilt and reunited with the chassis during a restoration that involved more than 8,700 hours of labor before coming to The Singleton Collection.