Summary

Delahaye 135M, 4-speed manual gearbox, attributed to coachbuilder Figoni et Falaschi of Paris. Rediscovered in Algeria a region of North Africa in early 1970s.

Details

This Delahaye 135 M, chassis 47532, was believed to have been by Figoni et Falaschi. It seems likely that 47532 was sold new or delivered new to the Algeria region of North African. The Delahaye 135 M as was not rediscovered until sometime in early 1970s by renowned restorer Maurice Ragout in Southern France. At the time of Maurice's discovery, Delahayes were not of great value, being still considered by many people as fine used automobiles of times well past. Thus, when restoration was finally under taken by Maurice sometime in the late '70s, Maurice preformed the restoration at that time on the frugal side of matters. It should be noted that Maurice choose to use a Charpon-bodied Delahaye as a parts car in order to restore 47532 to useable condition in the 1970s. The known parts from the parts car were the grille shell, hood and two doors. The remaining parts of the body are original to the car, including the wonderful fenders. It was during the early 2000s that chassis 47532 was offered and acquired by an American collector, and a gradual restoration was started. The engine and transmission were carefully restored by noted French car restorer Alan Taylor, while the coachworks and balance of restoration was performed by award-winning shop D&D in Covington, OH. This car was taken down to its bare chassis for the meticulous rebuild, which was conducted on the body, chassis, engine, transmission and interior.