The next automotive auction held by Bonhams in Carmel, California, on August 14, has a surprise prepared for all Grand Prix fans, as the ex-Jacques Swaters, Ecurie Belgique 1948 Talbot-Lago T26C will be on sale without reserve, estimated at $1 million - $1,3 million.
The French race car, chassis number 11006, was delivered new to Georges Grignard who had it for two years, and won the 1950 Grand Prix de Paris. The car was then sold to Roger Laurent, Jacques Swaters and Charles de Tornaco, three amateur Belgian drivers.
The three race car drivers founded Ecurie Belgique, the all-Belgian racing team. “For our private race team, the Talbot has two advantages – she was available at a good price (and is practically indestructible. What’s more, for me, I find the Wilson gear box very interesting from a technical viewpoint and extremely fun to use,” Laurent was quoted as saying at the time.
After serving the Ecurie Belgique team, the car was sent to America, where it underwent an extensive restoration, even receiving parts from original owner Grignard who had retained spares during the car’s early racing days. A complete engine rebuild was recently finished this year with zero running time since then.
Also part of the auction will also be other rare competition cars, including the 1939 Auto Union D-Type GP, the 1952 Siata 208CS Berlinetta, a 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC and a 1955 Mercedes-Benz Gullwing.
Additionally, cars that were once owned by important American personalities, such as Dean Martin’s 1962 Ghia 6.4L coupe, Frank Sinatra’s 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham and a 1933 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Victoria convertible formerly owned by Hopalong Cassidy, will also be offered at the Quail Lodge auction.
The three race car drivers founded Ecurie Belgique, the all-Belgian racing team. “For our private race team, the Talbot has two advantages – she was available at a good price (and is practically indestructible. What’s more, for me, I find the Wilson gear box very interesting from a technical viewpoint and extremely fun to use,” Laurent was quoted as saying at the time.
Also part of the auction will also be other rare competition cars, including the 1939 Auto Union D-Type GP, the 1952 Siata 208CS Berlinetta, a 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC and a 1955 Mercedes-Benz Gullwing.
Additionally, cars that were once owned by important American personalities, such as Dean Martin’s 1962 Ghia 6.4L coupe, Frank Sinatra’s 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham and a 1933 Duesenberg Model J Torpedo Victoria convertible formerly owned by Hopalong Cassidy, will also be offered at the Quail Lodge auction.
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