1953 Delahaye Type 178 Cabriolet

Ranked among the most sophisticated automobiles of their time, Delahayes were the preferred choice of many period concours d'elegance participants who would have couture gowns specially made to match the custom coachwork of their vehicles for a dramatic effect that would capture the attention of the judges, press, and public.

The origins of Delahaye lie in a company set up as long ago as 1845 to produce brick-making machinery. Emile Delahaye was a railroad engineer who designed rolling stock for the French and Belgian railroads. He built his first car in 1895. Delahaye took over Delage in 1935, a maker of elegant cars and a company with an established clientele who demanded both performance and elegance. The Type 178 is powered by a triple-carb, 4.5-litre in-line six-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed electromechanical transmission that allowed the driver to shift without using the clutch. In order to attract American buyers, Delahaye Types 175, 178, and 180 came with left-hand drive. This lovely example wears coachwork by Henri Chapron of Paris and features a three-position top that in its middle position protected only the rear seat passengers from the elements.