1947 Delahaye Type 135 M Cabriolet

The Delahaye Company was started by Emile Delahaye in 1895 and quickly fostered a reputation for reliability, power, and fuel economy. It would become known as one of France's grandes routieres enjoying racing success in Grand Prix and sports car competition, including the 24 Hours of LeMans.

In 1935, the company introduced the Type 135. After World War II, Delahaye resumed production of the model, including the high-performance Type 135 M and MS. Powering the Type 135 M was a 3558cc engine offering 130 horsepower, which, combined with a lightweight body, gave the vehicle a top speed in the neighborhood of 100 mph. The 4-speed Cotel transmission and triple Solex carburetors helped keep it competitive on the racing circuit. In the front was an independent suspension setup with a live rear axle. They had a low center of gravity offering enviable handling abilities and made it an ideal platform for coachbuilders seeking to demonstrate their vision, skill, and craftsmanship.

This 1947 Delahaye Type 135 M wears 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 few Delahayes were given this design.

The car is finished in red and black with complimenting black fenders. The interior is upholstered in black leather and piped in red. A black cloth top and boot, wood-trimmed dashboard, chrome wire wheels, black wall tires, Marchal lights, and a 4-spoke leaf spring steering wheel complete the car's stylish appearance. The car also has a tilt-out front windshield designed to supply additional airflow and a chassis lubrication system.

The car's early history is not known but in the late 1980s, it was purchased by Jacques Harguindeguy at auction in France. He kept the car for several years before selling it to a Japanese collector, who included it in his collection in Tokyo for approximately 20 years. It was subsequently purchased by Mark Hyman of St. Louis, MO.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2014