With the introduction of the new engine for 1948 these classic Talbot racing cars became instantly very competitive. The 4.5 litre engine developed 280bhp a significant increase over the earlier model whic ony gave 195bhp. This new engine had twin high set camshafts and benefitted from a low fuel consumption therby reducing the need for the frequent pit stops of the 1.5 litre supercharged competition. In its first season it gave a win to Rosier in the Coupe du Salon and 2nd places at Monaco, Comminges and Albi. 1949 was better still with wins in the French Grand Prix with Chiron driving, the Coupe du Salon with Sommer, the Paris Grand Prix with Etancelin and a non-stop drive by Rosier to win the Belgian Grand Prix. These Talbots continued in 1950 winning at Albi, Zandvoort and Paris. Across the Atlantic another rising star was Manuel Fangio who drove a Talbot to win the Rafaele 500 miles race in Argentina at an average speed of 109.8 miles per hour. By 1951 the Talbots were past their best and there were only two wins at the Dutch Grand Prix and The Bordeaux Grand Prix. However the notched up four second places. 1952 was the last season in Formula 1 with any success and the wins in the Finnish Grand Prix and Australian Grand Prix went almost un-noticed. The latter event was won for the second time in 1953 by Whiteford.
