1937 Delahaye 135M Coupe des Alpes

Emile Delahaye was a railroad engineer who designed rolling stock for the French and Belgian railroads. He designed his first car in 1895. During WWI, the company produced stationary engines, gun parts, and aircraft components; returning to auto production following WWI, albeit building dull and dependable cars. Following the 135 prototype's appearance at the Paris Auto Salon in 1934, Delahaye took over Delage in 1935 (a maker of elegant cars and a company with an established clientele) and suddenly its fortunes turned. The Delahaye Type 135 achieved enormous success in competition, winning its class in the International Alpine Trials in 1935, Monte Carlo Rally in 1937, and 24 Hours of LeMans in 1938.

This chassis was sent to Henri Chapron in May 1937 and was the second in a series of seven Type 135 roadsters to be bodied by him. It was bought by Monsieur Cyriel Depery, who became a celebrated member of the French Resistance during World War II. After France's liberation in August 1944, the car was driven in a victory parade in Depery's hometown of Annecy (it was the lead car in the Liberation Parade at Annecy). In 1951 the car was sold, and in 1960 it was put away in storage for several years. The next owner returned it to the road and drove it for the next 53 years. The engine was replaced at some time point, but its current owner found and fitted a correct 18CV engine to the car and it has now been fully restored.