conceptcarz.com

RM Auctions Amelia Island Preview - 2014

By: Jeremy McMullen

1937 Delahaye 135 Competition Court Roadster by Figoni et Falaschi chassis 48667

RM Auctions, the world's largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles, will hold its Amelia Island, Florida, sale on March 8th at the Ritz-Carlton.

As the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, RM's Amelia Island sale will feature a magnificent selection of more than 80 handpicked automobiles, with an emphasis on important and historic sports and racing cars, along with elegant coachbuilt classics. Full events details, including a frequently updated list of consignments, are available online at www.rmauctions.com.

The list of entries offers something for every discerning collector, including highly desirable sports cars, a vintage racer that is ready to return to the track, and an elegant American classic. Highlights from the sale include an award-winning 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, chassis 198.042.7500569, which was originally owned by Natalie Wood. The 300 SL market is hungry for high-quality restorations with desirable factory options,' says Gord Duff, Car Specialist, RM Auctions. 'This particular car's originality, rare Rudge wheels, celebrity provenance, touring capabilities, and Amelia Island Concours-awarded restoration make it arguably one of the finest 300 SL Roadsters available today.'

Additional highlights at the 16th annual Amelia Island sale include the estate collection of Malcolm S. Pray Jr. Malcolm Pray always considered the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance to be a highlight of his year, enjoying all that the unique setting had to offer from an auction to a concours to a joyful reunion with friends on the green. With his passing in August 2013, the Pray family has entrusted RM Auctions with the sale of no less than 17 of Malcolm's vehicles to be offered at RM's Amelia Island sale.

'Malcolm has been a part of the RM family for over 20 years and our entire team is honored to present a selection of his beloved cars on behalf of the Pray family,' says Gord Duff, Car Specialist, RM Auctions.

The jewel of the Pray Collection is an extremely rare 1937 Delahaye 135 Competition Court Roadster by Figoni et Falaschi, chassis 48667. 'RM's sale held at the Amelia Island Concours, two events that Malcolm has attended since their inception, is the perfect setting to offer such important cars that he enjoyed for so long,' adds Duff. 'We're thrilled to see that the sale of his collection will continue to support Malcolm's dedicated philanthropy, just as he would've wanted.'

1934 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible Sedan by LeBaron, Chassis # 2515 | Engine # J-494

Very few American automakers present the deftness and quality of pre-World War II construction than Duesenberg. Anchored by the ever-popular Model J chassis, Duesenberg offered fine coachbuilders of the early 20th century a platform to produce truly beautiful pieces of mechanical art.

While LaGrande was fictitious and meant to help Duesenberg's profits, there were other coachbuilders that were every bit real and highly-skilled in the art of building fine coaches for the Model J chassis. One of those talented builders was Thomas Hibbard and Raymond Dietrich's LeBaron.

1934 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible Sedan by LeBaron Chassis # 2515 | Engine # J-494

When Duesenberg became a part of E.L. Cord's conglomerate, August and Fred were given free-reign to once again build some of the best cars in the world. This is just what the brothers needed as, less than two years later, the Model J chassis would be birthed.

At about the same time, Hibbard's and Dietrich's Lebaron Carrossiers would merge with Briggs coachbuilding. Dietrich had come from Brewster & Co. after he started out, at the age of just 12 years old, as an apprentice engraver with American Bank Note Co. Though Dietrich was quite interested in drawing and baseball, he would not have any ambition for automobiles. Thomas Hibbard, however, would. In fact, from a very early age he knew he wanted to be an automobile designer.

The two men would meet via an acquaintance and they would soon begin the lay the groundwork for their own company. This news would lead to Willie Brewster firing Dietrich, despite the fact he really wanted to keep him around.

While the Model J would be incredibly popular, there would be one particular chassis that would be considered greater than the rest, the SJ. Combining a centrifugal supercharger to the inline eight-cylinder engine, the SJ was capable of around 320bhp, and therefore, even greater performance. This allowed a top speed of around 140mph. However, most of the SJs would come with the short-wheelbase chassis. Chassis 2515, then, would combine a number of rare elements to create a truly wonderful piece of Duesenberg history.

Completed in 1934, chassis 2515 would be remarkable in that it would be one of a very few long-wheelbase Model SJ chassis. Furthermore, the coachbuilt body would be from LeBaron and it would be a convertible sedan, one of about eight such sedans believed to be produced by the company for either the long or short wheelbase SJ chassis. What's remarkable about the LeBaron sedan design is that it has the look of a convertible Phaeton in that it could be argued it looks as good with the top up as it does down.

Completed, the car would be first owned by Edith Ludwig, a member of the Cudahy meatpacking family. She would take delivery of the car in October of 1934. By 1938, while still owned by Ludwig, the Model SJ would appear in Out West, a film that featured Mickey Rooney.

After passing from Ludwig to Art Kiel, the Duesenberg would spend twenty years amongst a number of different owners throughout the California area. During this period the car would appear in The Mightiest American Motor Car, and would even spend some time as the property of Ray Nelson.

Eventually, the car ended up in the hands of Paul Polk of New York who would take on the task of having the car restored. Following the restoration the car would be lent to Ken Purdy. Purdy would be writing articles at the time about Duesenberg and would use the experiences with the Model SJ as some inspiration and experience.

In 1964, the Duesenberg would be sold again. This time its new owner would be none other than Edmund Lynch Jr. Edmund Lynch Jr. was the son of the co-founder of Merrill-Lynch. Interestingly, Edmund would be following in his father's footsteps as he too would own a Model J at one point in time. In fact, it would serve as the inspiration for Edmund to begin his search to own one.

The twenty years in which 2515 remained with Lynch marks the longest period in the car's history with one owner. Lynch would sell the car in 1984 and it would continue to change hands a couple of times. Michael Calore, of Rhode Island, would own the car and would commission yet another restoration of the car. One of the final touches of the restoration was to refinish the car. A deep maroon finish would be given to the car, the very same finish it retains to this very day. Another addition includes what amounts to a reproduction of the dual-carburetor Walthers unit that had been installed on the famous Mormon Meteor. This means the car now produces some 400bhp, making it a truly remarkable example of a Model SJ.

Later sold, 2515 would remain with its present owner for more than a decade and would make appearances at events like the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club's Annual Reunion.

Considered to be one of three LeBaron convertible sedans known to exist, 2515 remains a remarkable amalgamation of talent, performance and style. Distinguished in so many ways, the LeBaron Convertible Sedan is a real Duesy.

1934 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible Sedan by LeBaron Chassis # 2515 | Engine # J-494

Sources:

'Lot No. 174: 1934 Duesenberg Model SJ Convertible Sedan by LeBaron', (http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1064885). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1064885. Retrieved 10 February 2014.

'1934 Duesenberg Model SJ News, Pictures, Specifications and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z14355/Duesenberg-Model-SJ.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z14355/Duesenberg-Model-SJ.aspx. Retrieved 10 February 2014.

'Alphabetical Index: LeBaron', (http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/l/lebaron/lebaron.htm). Coachbuilt.com. http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/l/lebaron/lebaron.htm. Retrieved 10 February 2014.

'1929 Duesenberg Model J News, Pictures, Specifications and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13531/Duesenberg-Model-J.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13531/Duesenberg-Model-J.aspx. Retrieved 10 February 2014.

'How Duesenberg Cars Work: Duesenberg Model J', (http://auto.howstuffworks.com/duesenberg-cars1.htm). HowStuffWorks. http://auto.howstuffworks.com/duesenberg-cars1.htm. Retrieved 10 February 2014.

1965 Shelby Mustang GT350R, Chassis # SFM-5R538

1965 Shelby Mustang GT350R Chassis # SFM-5R538 Photo credit: RM Auctions

In 2012, a 1965 Shelby GT350R sold at RM Auctions Monterey event for nearly $1,000,000. Well, this mark is likely to be broken by an example that clocked the fastest speed for a 289-powered Shelby.

Considering that only 33 or 34 Shelby Mustang GT350Rs would ever be produced, each one is highly coveted, perhaps none more so than 5R538, and there would be plenty of good reasons as to why.

Production completed in 1965 by Shelby American, 5R538 would be first owned by Roger West. He would take delivery of the Mustang in early 1966 and would be immediately successful with the car earning the SCCA Southeast Division Championship that year. However, West would become enamored by another Ford, the GT40. As a result, West would put the Mustang to the side. Charlie Kemp, however, would just happen to see West at the wheel of the Mustang and would be greatly impressed by the car.

Charlie Kemp could put to rest the debate as to whether race car drivers are actually athletes. Racing cars by the time he was just 16, Kemp would also play a number of sports and would even play semi-professional baseball for the Hazlehurst Indians. However, it would be behind the wheel where Kemp's natural talent proved professional. Enjoying a string of unbeaten years in drag racing, Charlie would score a 2nd place result in his first SCCA regional event. This would come after his foray into baseball and eight years in the National Guard. By the mid-1960s, Kemp was competing against some of the greatest drivers in the world at the time and he would be looking for an opportunity to move up in power. It would be about that time that he would see West at the wheel of the Mustang.

The Shelby Mustang presented just the right opportunity for Kemp. Furthermore, West was willing to sell the car. So, in 1967, Charlie would head into the Foreign Car Center in Birmingham, Alabama and would come away with West's GT350R. Almost immediately, Kemp would take the Mustang and would enter a race in Montgomery, Alabama. In spite of blowing the engine, he would break the lap record. In spite of the setback, the performance would be all that Pete Hood needed to see.

Pete Hood is one of those legendary mechanics. He wouldn't just lend his services to anybody. He picked who he was going to work with, and, he certainly liked what he saw in Kemp. So Hood would come on board and would immediately set to work preparing the Mustang. Lightening the car, rebuilding the engine and tuning the suspension, Hood would take everything into account. Kemp would make up the difference. And, throughout '68 and '69 there really wouldn't be anything that would be faster than this pairing.

Starting in 1968, Kemp and the GT350R would begin a winning streak that would last seventeen races. Kemp and his Shelby Mustang owned the B-Production class. They would also own the speed record at Riverside. But this would only set the stage for a remarkable day at Daytona in 1969.

Kemp was leading the B-Production class, as usual, and therefore, had no need to fight with the A-Production cars, like the Corvettes. However, curiosity would get the better of him. It had been agreed between himself and Hood that he would keep the Mustang in the low-to-mid 7,000rpm range. However, as he found himself in front of one of the A-Production Corvettes he would keep his foot on it just to see where he stood against the 'better' cars. Down the long straight, there wasn't another car any better as Charlie would clock 184mph in the GT350R. This would not only be the fastest speed for a 289-powered Mustang GT350R, it would prove to be faster than any 289-powered Cobra! Furthermore, Kemp was able to pull away from the Corvettes down the straights. He would lose ground in the turns, but would be able to make it back up when they got to the straights again.

To say the Mustang and Kemp together were remarkable would be to fall short of the mark. In total, Kemp would start 54 races with the GT350R. He would managed to finish 42 of those races and 32 of them would result in wins. That is a winning percentage of more than 61 percent!

1965 Shelby Mustang GT350R Chassis # SFM-5R538 Photo credit: RM Auctions

Such success meant other racing series came calling on Kemp. He would soon part with the Mustang as he headed off to Can-Am. Unfortunately, the McLaren M8C that he would drive would prove not to be the partner Charlie had grown accustomed. Therefore, he would purchase 5R538 back after about a year and would return to the track with the Shelby Mustang. The Mustang, back in Kemp's possession, would never head off to another owner.

When it was all said and done, Kemp and 5R538 would hold a number of lap records, in addition to its great winning record. Kemp just could not part with such a special automobile. Some time after coming into the new millennium, Kemp and Hood would partner together again with the task being to restore 5R538 to its former glory. Their intention was to restore the car to its former racing specifications. This would include retaining the original wood-trimmed steering wheel, pair of 22-gallon fuel tanks and even the signature #23 livery. What's really remarkable is that much of the original sheet metal remains to this very day, along with a number of other details that had been a part of the car back in the late 1960s.

As he had been in the days of old, Hood would be tasked with tearing apart and rebuilding the 289 engine. Amazingly, the car still has its original aluminum Cobra intake manifold with a Holley carburetor. Finished, the engine still snorts fire as it did more than 40 years ago and is sure to take any historic race by storm.

Complete with such finishing touches as a couple of Carroll Shelby signatures and the same 430hp engine that earned Kemp the record, 5R538 is certainly a rare opportunity of any kind. As Kemp states, 5R538 is 'kind of a magical car…' There would be no doubting this fact. And, such magical cars are capable of incredible feats. As a result, it has the opportunity to set yet another record.

Sources:

'Lot No. 147: 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350R', (http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1063817). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1063817. Retrieved 11 February 2014.

'Complete Archive of Charlie Kemp', (http://www.racingsportscars.com/driver/archive/Charlie-Kemp-USA.html). Racing Sports Cars. http://www.racingsportscars.com/driver/archive/Charlie-Kemp-USA.html. Retrieved 11 February 2014.

'1966 Shelby Mustang GT350R News, Pictures, Specifications and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z11014/Shelby-Mustang-GT350-R.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z11014/Shelby-Mustang-GT350-R.aspx. Retrieved 11 February 2014.

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Chassis # 198.042.7500569 Photo credit: RM Auctions

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Chassis # 198.042.7500569

One of the most iconic of all Mercedes-Benz is the 300SL. How fitting and appropriate it would be then that one of the most iconic of all Mercedes-Benz automobiles would be owned by one of the most iconic actresses in all of Hollywood. Her name… Natalia Nikolaevna Zacharenko. She would be better known as Natalie Wood.

A problem with the 300SL's new chassis would give birth to an ingenious answer and create an immediately memorable and epochal design. But while the 300SL would be more famous for its gullwing derivative, the car was not quite the answer for one of the leading actresses of the time. A beautiful actress should have a car that perfectly accentuates her reputation and place within the Hollywood elite. The car should not be the center of attention therefore.

Mercedes would have an answer for this dilemma as well. The resolution would come in 1957 and would take the form of a 300SL Roadster.

Just as production of the famed coupe version was coming to an end, the roadster version would be ramping up. Virtually every element of the car would be the same. The major difference, of course, would be in the convertible top that would replace the gullwing doors. Though introduced in 1957, there would be only a few of the roadsters built. One of those would be chassis 198.042.7500569.

The first example of the roadster would first make an appearance in the magazine Auto, Motor und Sport when spotted in the summer of 1956. By the end of 1957, just a total of 618 roadsters would be built and on their way to their customers.

One of those customers would be Natalie Wood. Costing more than $10,000, it would take someone like Wood to be able to buy one of the roadsters. This particular example would be fitted with Rudge wheels, one of only about 25 to receive the specific type. Completed, the car would make its way to the United States where it would be united with Wood in January of 1958, about a month after she married Robert Wagner, for the first time. At just 19, the roadster was ideally-suited to magnify the allure of the Hollywood star.

At the time of her receiving the roadster, the sporty car would be adorned in the famed silver finish. The interior would consist of red leather. However, the silver was not exactly what Wood wanted for herself. Therefore, she would make the decision to have the car repainted a very bright shade of pink. The red leather interior would remain.

The roadster would remain with Natalie up until the 1960s. By 1978, Don McColl of Ontario, Canada would own the car. McColl was certainly interested in being seen behind the wheel of a 300SL Roadster, but not necessarily one that was bright pink in color. Therefore, he would have the car repainted. He would have the car returned to its original finish.

The roadster would undergo restoration in 2000. The restoration would be undertaken by Rudi Koniczek of Rudi & Company and he would eventually refinish the car in a Silver Blue. He would retain the red leather. Every other detail would be thoroughly looked after over the course of the process. Great care would be taken to ensure that everything was correct, inside and out. This would include a Becker radio and even a Rudge wheel spare. About the only diversion from original would be the finish and the modern tires fitted to the Rudge wheels.

The completed car would be sold, but would not be hidden from sight. In 2010 the 300SL Roadster would take part in the Colorado Grand. Then, two years later, the car would be seen in Hollywood once again. It would be part of a Mercedes-Benz display celebrating the relationship between the 300SL and many of Hollywood's elite.

Following the event in Hollywood, the roadster would make an appearance at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. It was be present as part of a special celebration marking the 60th anniversary of Mercedes' victory at Le Mans in 1952. In addition to being a part of the special event, 0569 would also come away with Best in Class honors.

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Chassis # 198.042.7500569 Photo credit: RM Auctions

Still highly original in look, operation and feel, this particular roadster remains a prime example of an icon and is a fitting moving memorial to another icon, one of Hollywood's leading ladies.

Sources:

'1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster', (http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1064990). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1064990. Retrieved 5 February 2014.

'1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL News, Pictures, Specifications and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z4894/Mercedes-Benz-300-SL.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z4894/Mercedes-Benz-300-SL.aspx. Retrieved 5 February 2014.

'1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL News, Pictures, Specifications and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z11266/Mercedes-Benz-300SL.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z11266/Mercedes-Benz-300SL.aspx. Retrieved 5 February 2014.

Wikipedia contributors, 'Natalie Wood', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 28 January 2014, 16:26 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Natalie_Wood&oldid=592812982 accessed 5 February 2014

1932 Packard Twin Six Individual Custom Convertible Sedan by Dietrich Chassis # 900104 Photo credit: RM Auctions

In the early teens of the 20th century, Packard would introduce the first V12 engine. It would be called the Twin Six because of the twin rows of six cylinders. However, the twin six would give way and would be lost for about a decade until pressure from the competition forced Packard's hand. In 1932, the Twin Six would be back.

Packard was, in every sense of the word, refined. It was all about luxury and the ride, not the performance. Everything about Packard was simply elegant, not overly dramatic and, in more ways than one, understated.

In appearance, the Packard was an elite car for sure. Inside and out the Packard automobiles exuded luxury. However, the company would use the impression, the experience, the carry the name. It is why, at least for one reason, the name Packard doesn't appear on its stately automobiles.

The early Twix Six had set a benchmark. By the early 1930s, other manufacturers were building sixteen-cylinder engines and other powerful behemoths that Packard's straight-eight engine just couldn't match. Furthermore, the Great Depression was taking its toll on just about everyone, including Packard. Packard was still perhaps America's finest luxury car manufacturer. However, the terrible economic conditions were hurting sales. The company not only needed a car that could compete with the competition. They needed a car that was memorable with the public, and therefore, desirous enough to help Packard's sales. Therefore, the company would bring back its Twin Six, which had been a very popular model back in the teens.

At the time they introduced the V12, the Twin Six name was understandable. Six-cylinder engines were understandable. However, by the 1930s, with such large engines making an appearance, the Twin Six name would be rather confusing. Therefore, the Twin Six name would last just one year. And that year would be 1932.

One of those 1932 Packard Twin Six automobiles would be chassis 900104. However, this particular chassis would not exist, at one time, as it does now. Mr. Robert Bahre is perhaps best known within motor racing circles. An owner of a number of tracks throughout New England, Mr. Bahre would also debut the New Hampshire International Speedway in June of 1990. Quickly, this track would be considered a favorite among IndyCar and NASCAR ranks. But while best known for motor racing, Mr. Bahre is also passionate about Packards, and, in particular, those Individual Customs designed by Raymond Dietrich.

Raymond Dietrich would be a very talented designer who would co-found LeBaron with Thomas Hibbard. However, when Hibbard left for Paris, Dietrich would establish a new firm bearing his own name, Dietrich Inc. While well-respected for his talents, Dietrich's perhaps greatest, and most lasting legacy would be the custom bodies he would produce for Packard.

1932 Packard Twin Six Individual Custom Convertible Sedan by Dietrich Chassis # 900104 Photo credit: RM Auctions

Mr. Bahre would come to own one of these custom bodies in 1981. He would purchase a Dietrich Individual Custom Convertible Sedan from Harrah's Automobile Collection. However, the body would be, at the time, mounted to a 904 Super Eight chassis. Mr. Bahre really wanted a Custom Packard Twelve. Bob Adams would help in the quest. He actually owned a Twin Six chassis. This is just what Bahre was looking for. He would purchase both cars and would set to work.

Steve Gunder would be tasked with removing the custom body from the Super Eight chassis. Amazingly, the body would be void of any major damage or wear and this enabled Gunder to save all of the original body panels. The chassis, engine and drivetrain would be tuned and tweaked and mated to the body.

Nearing completion, the car would be finished in Packard Maroon and plum soft leather in the interior. Dietrich was well known for creating convertible designs that looked as good with the top up as down and this would be no exception.

Bearing no name other than Twin Six, the car is immediately recognizable as a Packard and a Dietrich custom. Even after thirty years with Mr. Bahre, the 1932 Packard Twin Six Individual Custom Convertible Sedan remains a presence that needs no introduction. Just the experience of being in its presence says it all.

Sources:

'Lot No. 135: 1932 Packard Twin Six Individual Custom Convertible Sedan by Dietrich', (http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1063842). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1063842. Retrieved 10 February 2014.

'1932 Packard Model 905 Twin Six News, Pictures, Specifications and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z10293/Packard-Model-905-Twin-Six.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z10293/Packard-Model-905-Twin-Six.aspx. Retrieved 10 February 2014.

1937 Delahaye 135 Competition Court Roadster by Figoni et Falaschi, chassis 48667

1937 Delahaye 135 Competition Court Roadster by Figoni et Falaschi chassis 48667

Even by the 1930s, the performance capabilities of the automobile had progressed to such an extent that many manufacturers would shy away from offering chassis that tested those limits for fear their customers would not be able to handle what was available to them. A few, however, would throw caution to the wind and would make such performance available to their customers. Delahaye was just such a manufacturer.

Delahaye's offering of track performance for the street would come in the form of the Type 135 S chassis. Delahaye's means of protecting itself and its clients was bound in the fact the Type 135 Competition Court, the model chassis actually intended for competition but that could be made into a road car, would not be found in any official listing from the company. This particular chassis had to be requested, and not just anyone would get one.

One particular example of the Competition Court chassis is 48667. Its number would suggest the chassis was actually assembled in 1936. The custom-built body adorning the chassis would be exceptional in its own right.

Coachbuilders of the period would be particularly drawn to the design of teardrop and the torpedo as both similar represented for aerodynamic shapes, even though the science wasn't very well appreciated at the time. Based upon the show car that could have been seen at the Paris Auto Show in 1936, 48667 would be graced with a Torpedo Roadster body designed by the illustrator Georges Hamel. Hamel's fame as an illustrator would grow from his racing posters featuring aircraft and automobiles. He would work closely with Figoni at Falaschi to design the body that would sit atop the very special chassis. When completed, 48667 would become one of just 13 streamlined bodies that were a part of series based upon the Paris show car.

But, while the brass tag would give the impression of a close association between Figoni and Hamel, the illustrator would have to threaten a lawsuit before his name would be included as a collaborator in the project. An agreement would be struck and Hamel's name would be added to the bronze plate of just three examples. Such intrigue only adds to the story of this very special Delahaye.

Chassis 48667 would be one of those bearing Hamel's name. Completed in Blue Monaco and Straw Yellow, the car would be delivered in August of 1937. Immediately after being delivered it would take part in its first concours event, the Gardenia Concours d'Elegance at Saint-Cloud. Even from the very beginning this Delahaye would be recognized as a priceless collectible. Though presented at the concours by Emilienne d'Avray, it seems clear 48667 would be without an owner for a couple of years.

Apparently given a new engine, just carrying the original number, the Delahaye would set off across the Atlantic in 1939 for North America. There is some suggestion that this particular chassis made an appearance at the World's Fair and that Bob Grier, the photographer and motoring enthusiast, would purchase the car about the same time. Unfortunately, the war would hinder Grier from being able to enjoy the car. When the war came to an end though, Grier would take to the wheel and would use the performance of the 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine to take part in a number of hillclimbs. Apparently, the car would be seen with its color scheme reversed.

In 1954, the Delahaye would take part in Herb Shriner's World Motor Sports Show held at Madison Square Garden. Approaching the 1960s, the Delahaye had spent some twenty years in Grier's possession. It was time to pass the car along. So, in November of 1963, just a couple of weeks before the assassination of Kennedy, Hugh J. Weidinger's Long Island's Hemostead Auto Company would become the new owner of the Delahaye. While the property of Weidinger's company the Torpedo Roadster would again be refinished. This time the scheme would turn to red and black.

Malcolm S. Pray, Jr. had also been at the World's Fair in 1939. He was just 11 years old at the time but would be absolutely taken back by the Delahaye on display. Right there in that very moment he desired to own what he saw. In time, Mr. Pray would become an influential businessman and an avid car collector. Though he collected the very best, there was one, if he allowed himself to dream, he absolutely wanted more than any other.

About 25 years after that first encounter, Pray would find himself in the position of being able to purchase the very same car he had seen when just a boy. Pray would need no convincing and needed little incentive. He would jump at the chance of owning his fantasy car, a car that he would consider greater than any other in his collection. The best part of it all was that it would really be a chance encounter; two separated lovers meeting again after years apart. And such was the relationship.

In 1969 and '70 the car would be refurbished. Wanting to remember it as it was, Pray would have the car refinished in its original colors. Though refurbished and return to its original livery, the car would be seldom seen for the next 45 years. Then, amazingly, the car would make an appearance at the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance in 1994. It had been 40 years before the car made its last appearance in a show and it would prove to be a truly moving moment. Then, one year later, Malcolm and his new wife, Natalie, would tour the car in Europe. Such was the affection Pray had for the car that Natalie would consider the car the 'French Mistress'.

1937 Delahaye 135 Competition Court Roadster by Figoni et Falaschi chassis 48667

Mr. Pray's pride would get the better of him. After that debut in 1994, the Delahaye would be a participant in more than 50 events. This active lifestyle would certainly seem to give credence to the affectionate nickname 'French Mistress'. Unfortunately, Mr. Pray can no longer enjoy such rendezvous. The arousing Delahaye will have to use its looks and performance to find a new amour.

Sources:

'Lot No. 167: 1937 Delahaye 135 Competition Court Torpedo Roadster', (http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1064908). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1064908. Retrieved 6 February 2014.

Mellana, Tom. 'Malcolm S. Pray Jr., Greenwich Businessman and Benefactor, has Died', (http://www.greenwichtime.com/local/article/Malcolm-S-Pray-Jr-Greenwich-businessman-and-4759990.php). Greenwich Time.com. http://www.greenwichtime.com/local/article/Malcolm-S-Pray-Jr-Greenwich-businessman-and-4759990.php. Retrieved 6 February 2014.

About RM Auctions

RM Auctions is the world's largest auction house for investment-quality automobiles. With over three decades of experience in the collector car industry, RM's vertically integrated range of services, from restoration to private treaty sales, auctions, estate planning, and financial services, coupled with an expert team of car specialists and an international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM proudly holds six of the top ten all-time records for the most expensive motor cars sold at auction. RM's restoration division has achieved unprecedented accolades earning Best of Show honors at the world's top concours events, including an unmatched five Best of Shows at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. For further information and 2014 auction dates, please visit www.rmauctions.com, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @rmauctions.

About The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance

Winner of Octane Magazine's 2013 International Historic Motoring Event of the year, the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is among the top automotive events in the world. Always held the second full weekend in March, 'The Amelia' draws over 250 rare vehicles from collections around the world to The Golf Club of Amelia Island and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, for a celebration of the automobile like no other. Since 1996, the show's foundation has donated over $2.2 million to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Inc. and other deserving charities on Florida's First Coast. The 19th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance is scheduled for March 7–9, 2014. For more information, visit www.ameliaconcours.org or call 904-636-0027.

Photo credit: RM Auctions
posted on conceptcarz.com

Related Posts