1947 DELAHAYE 135 M CABRIOLET

Details

Started by Emile Delahaye in 1895, the Delahaye company soon garnered a reputation for power, reliability and fuel economy. The marque was recognized as one of France's grandes routieres, and was a successful competitor in grand prix and sports car races, including the 24 Hours of LeMans. Delahaye first introduced its Type 135 in 1935 and it was an immediate success in the European luxury market. Following World War II, Delahaye resumed production of the model, including the high performance

Type 135 M and MS. American GIs soon took examples home with them, igniting a lasting love affair between the Type 135 and Hollywood. The Type 135 M had a 3,558cc engine and a maximum power output of 130bhp which, combined with a lightweight body, enabled the car to reach speeds of 100mph. The 4-speed Cotel transmission and triple Solex carburetors helped keep it competitive on the racing circuit. The model boasted independent front suspension and live axle rear suspension, and was designed to hug the ground. The resultant low center of gravity granted the car enviable handling abilities and made it ideal for coachbuilders seeking to demonstrate their vision, skill and craftsmanship. This 1947 Delahaye Type 135 M coupe, chassis 800788, is a refined, elegant cabriolet with coachwork by A. Guillore. Its style is that of the 1947 Paris Auto Salon car featuring teardrop shaped pontoon fenders and a line of chrome that starts at the top of the grille and sweeps along the length of the car, terminating into the rear fender. Only a handful of Delahayes were finished in this manner. It is a wonderful and rare example of early postwar styling. Finished in red and black with complimenting black fenders, its interior is upholstered in black leather piped in red. A black cloth top and boot, wood-trimmed dashboard, chrome wire wheels, black wall tires, Marchal lights and a gorgeous 4-spoke leaf spring steering wheel complete the car's stylish appearance. Also among the car's features are a tilt-out front windshield designed to supply additional airflow and a chassis lubrication system. The car's early history is unknown but in the late 1980s, Jacques Harguindeguy, a well-known and respected collector of premium French cars, purchased the Type 135 M at auction in France. He kept the car for several years before selling it to a prominent Japanese collector, who included it in his collection in Tokyo for approximately 20 years. Chassis 800788 was subsequently purchased by Mark Hyman of St. Louis, MO, who now offers it for sale in excellent condition. The car is an example of a beautifully preserved, period-correct Delahaye that has been restored to its original high standards with amazing attention to detail.