1947 Delahaye Type 135 M Convertible

This example of a Delahaye features coachwork by Carrosseriefabriek P.J. Pennock & Zonen, which was one of the largest coachbuilders in the Netherlands. The firm built various coachworks for public transport vehicles, but would also create bodies for individual clients from the United States and France. Pennock is especially well known for their 'un-Dutch' flamboyant designs on Delahayes, such as this particular car, with designs created by Henri Chapron.

After World War II, the Dutch government encouraged coachbuilding for export, and a number of prestige chassis, especially Delahayes, were imported specifically for that purpose. Delahaye lacked in-house coachworks, so all of their chassis would be bodied by independent coachbuilders. Many of these one-off vehicles would be known as their most attractive designs and were often found on the Type 135. Pennock was established in 1898 and continued to build custom bodies until it closed its doors in 1953.

In addition to the beautiful coachwork, this Delahaye features a Cotal pre-select transmission backing the inline six-cylinder engine. The Delahaye 135, also known as 'Coupe des Alpes' after its success in the Alpine Rally, was first presented in 1935 and established Delahaye as a builder of sportier cars. The 3.2-liter overhead valve engine was derived from one of Delahaye's truck engines and was also used in the more sedate, longer wheelbase Delahaye 138. Power was 95 horsepower in twin carburetor form, but a 110 horsepower version was available featuring three Solex carburetors.