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Sold 1949 Delahaye 135MS 2146363857

  • 1949 Delahaye 135MS For Sale | Ad Id 2146363857
Overview

1949 Delahaye 135MS

Price: USD $295,000


In the years leading up to World War II Delahaye enjoyed elite status among the top French automakers earning its lauded reputation for quality and performance at LeMans and on the Grand Prix circuit. In 1935 the firm introduced one of its most successful models the Type 135. A natural-born performer in motorsport the Type 135 chassis was also a darling of the prestigious French coachbuilding industry providing the perfect canvas for Chapron Franay and Figoni et Falaschi and others to work their magic.As the dust of war settled Frances citizens and industry emerged from the rubble battered but far from broken. Delahaye returned to work initially producing a 3 -ton truck model which paid the bills during Reconstruction. In 1946 the Type 135M returned and Delahaye was finally back in business as one of Frances premier sports car makers. Engineers revised the 135 with a widened track for better handling and improved the overhead valve six-cylinder engine offering up to 130 horsepower for the MS and considerably more for racing. As it had before Delahaye partnered with various high-profile coachbuilders and the emerging postwar aesthetic proved a fine match for the superb chassis. Ultimately 1155 examples of the post-war Type 135 were produced through 1952 but sadly for Delahaye company fortunes meant the once great marque would not survive past 1954.Clothed in sumptuous coachwork by Letourneur et Marchand the 1949 Delahaye Type 135MS offered here is the desirable performance variant replete with a 130-horsepower triple-carb engine and Cotal pre-select gearbox. Compared to powerhouses like Chapron and Figoni & Falaschi the coachbuilding firm of Jean-Marie Letourneur and Jean-Arthur Marchand was a relatively small operation. But over their 50 years in business the pair built a considerable reputation for original tasteful designs and exquisite craftsmanship. Their work appeared on a wide range of prestige chassis including Bugatti Rolls-Royce Hispano-Suiza Duesenberg and Delage their biggest client. Delahaye also counted in that list with a total of 16 chassis coming through their Neuilly-sur-Seine workshops.In the case of this splendid Delahaye 135MS Letourneur et Marchand crafted a handsome ponton-style four-seater coupe with exquisitely judged details like the creative pillarless window openings and the subtle use of chrome trim. It is believed this car was sold new in France with registration forms going back to 1953 from the French city of Lyon. Later it was imported to Belgium by a Delahaye collector and enthusiast named Baudouin Dejaiffe. He held the car in his collection for several years preserving its low-mileage unrestored condition. It then traded hands to a long-term owner in 1977. In the late 1990s he treated it to a sympathetic yet superb quality refurbishment taking it down to bare metal and refinishing the coachwork in its current shade of dark blue. Correspondence on file notes that the underlying body was exceptional pointing to a cherished existence since new. Later work included a complete engine overhaul and detailing and a stunning restoration of the interior.In 2007 the distinctive Delahaye was invited by the Malaysian Minister of Transport to be part of celebrations of the Monarchys 50th Anniversary in Kuala Lumpur. The event included a massive gathering of classic cars from around the world taking part in a road rally and concours delegance. The Delahaye not only completed the tour without trouble but it went on to win its class in the concours and take Best in Show honors against a highly competitive field of 250 cars. After coming stateside following a change of ownership in 2015 the new owner commissioned further detailing and concours preparation work. In 2016 the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance invited it to join a special class of Delahaye motorcars where it scored a well-deserved 3rd in class.Today this distinctly elegant Type 135 remains in superb condition. The deep blue paintwork is exquisitely finished to a high standard laid over crisp body panels with precise gaps. Beautiful brightwork and sparkling chrome wires with whitewall Firestones punctuate the understated livery. Authentic details include Marchal lamps twin wing mirrors and unique chrome drip rails. Swinging open the cleverly-designed rear-hinged door reveals the stunning navy blue and cream leather-lined interior. It is ornate and opulent while also retaining an air of sporting purposefulness that reflects the chassis potential. From the beautiful chrome-spoke banjo wheel to an array of lovely OS gauges and fine woodwork the cabin is a splendid display of late-40s French luxury.The finely detailed engine features a trio of correct Solex carburetors denoting this as the hottest MS model rated for 130 horsepower. The inline-six is paired with a Cotal pre-select gearbox operated via the delicate H-pattern gear lever on the steering column. Aside from looking the part it performs beautifully. With its elegant four-seater configuration there is plenty of room and performance potential for four passengers to enjoy the experience on concours road tours or other driving events.As one of just 16 Delahaye chassis clothed by Letourneur et Marchand this represents a rare opportunity to acquire a truly unique and eminently stylish FrenchGrand Routier. It is a beautifully prepared machine proven on the concours field and beyond and it will undoubtedly take pride of place in its next keepers collection.Offers welcome and trades consideredFor additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6905-1949-delahaye-135ms-letourneur-et-marchand-coupe/


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Location: St Louis, MO, United States

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