She Hasn’t Run in 40 Years… Today She Wakes Up Again

A rare 1947 Talbot-Lago T26 barn find attempts her first start after decades. In this restoration episode, we inspect “Jessica Rabbit,” clean the engine, rebuild missing parts and try to bring her back to life.

She slept for over forty years.
Forgotten. Covered in dust, scars, and stories.

But today… Jessica Rabbit — a 1947 Talbot-Lago T26 — takes her first step back toward life.

In this episode of Her Car Restoration Diary, we rescue this incredible barn find from decades of silence and attempt the first start on her 4.5L six-cylinder engine.
This is the beginning of a full restoration project where the aim is to preserve her original shape, patina, and soul — not erase it.

Join me as we pull her out of hiding, inspect the condition, clean years of grime, rebuild key components, check the oil pressure and discover what’s missing… and what still survives.

Will she run again after all these years?
Let’s find out.

🛠 Project Jessie– full background & ongoing progress:
🔗 https://blacktagoctane.com/jessica-ra...
This page collects photos, technical notes, and all videos related to Gromit in one place.

🛠️ Series: Her Car Restoration Diary
🏚️ Playlist: Blacktag Barn Finds
🐰 Car: Talbot-Lago T26 (1947) “Jessica Rabbit”
🎥 Channel: Blacktag Octane

Subscribe to follow the complete restoration.

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: 40 Years Asleep
00:30 – Barn Find Discovery
01:02 – The Work Begins
03:45 – First Inspection: Talbot-Lago Details
04:52 – Carburettor Check
06:34 – Engine Clean-Up
06:55 – Engine Covers Removed
07:51 – Distributor & Ignition Work
14:25 – Choke Adjustment
15:40 – Pre-Selector Gearbox Check
16:20 – Fuel Pump Work
17:25 – First Start Attempts
18:00 – Spark Plugs Hitting the Pistons
19:09 – Cleaning the Carburettor
20:27 – Auxiliary Fuel Pump Added
22:50 – The Moment of Truth
23:30 – Outro


🔧 About this project:
This Talbot-Lago T26 is part of a long-term restoration series focused on reviving classic cars while preserving their character. Every episode documents the real process — the successes, setbacks, learning, and emotional moments of bringing history back to life.

If you enjoy classic car rescues, patina restorations, barn finds, and “Will It Start?” episodes… welcome to the journey.
🔧 WATCH Other Car Repairs:    • 🛠️ Blacktag Workshop  

Driving Old Cars:    • 🚗 BlackTag Drives  

#TalbotLago #BarnFind #ClassicCarRestoration #CarRestoration #willitrun #BlacktagOctane