Minggu, 13 Juli 2008

Talbot-Lago T26C: La gloire de la France




All photos and illustration � Paul Chenard

One of my all-time favorite Grand Prix race cars has to be the Talbot-Lago T26C. It is such a beautiful piece of machinery, usually painted in it�s International Racing Colour French blue.

It was developed under the guidance of Anthony F. Lago, who had taken over the ailing SA Automobiles Talbot in 1935.

His company developed a straight-six competition 4.5 litre engine, mated to a Wilson pre-selector gearbox, and wrapped in a tradition yet gorgeous body.

Though not the most powerful racer on the grid, it was fuel-efficient, reliable and easy to pilot. These strengths became very apparent in races, and the T26C found some success in the hands of drivers like Louis Rosier, Louis Chiron, Philippe �tancelin, Guy Mairesse, Raymond Sommer and Pierre Levegh.

I was lucky enough to see, and sit in, the Talbot-Lago T26C of Aldo and Denis Bigioni at the Mosport Vintage Racing Festival in 2007.

It is a stunning example, this one sporting an egg-crate grill � perfect!



















Prismacolor pencils and pencil on blue archival stock 12"x 9" � Paul Chenard 2008

Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar