1938 Delahaye Type 135

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Cabriolet Coachwork: Figoni & Falaschi Chassis Num: 9803 BF59   This handsome cabriolet was bodied by the French firm, Figoni & Falaschi. Built on a long chassis, this car was delivered with leather furnishings by Hermes of Paris. It is the only time that noted firm has ever outfitted an automobile. The car was restored for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2006 using the original hermes patterns from 1938. This car was originally destined to be the 1939 Paris Auto Show display car, and had a custom interior made by Hermes. Owing to the impending war, the Paris Show was canceled, and the first owner was Mrs. Chandler. The car was exhibited at various prewar Concours d'Elegance. It was owned and raced postwar by French racing driver Marcel Contet. From 1960 to 2002, it was owned by the president of the Delahaye Club, Philippe Looten. It was fully restored in 2006, including a new custom interior and luggage by Hermes, recreating their original work from 1938. The elegance is made even more elaborate by the use of chrome throughout the vehicle. This is an excellent example of the work of the Giuseppe Figoni, an artist in metalwork. Much of his work centered around aerodynamics and creating the allusion of motion even at a stand-still. In 1935 Figoni acquired a partner, businessman Ovidio Flaschi, who also hailed from Italy, creating Figoni & Falaschi. This partnership created some of the most memorable designs of the 1930s through 1950s. By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2009

Auction Sales Information

Event	Group
Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance	European Custom Coachwork French (1937-1953)
Radnor Hunt Concours d'Elegance	Import - 1911-1949
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance	Prewar Delahaye	Best in Class : Prewar Delahaye

 

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