Serial number 48718
Unique example with Dubos bodywork
Same owner since 1981
French registration

Delahaye is a mythical name in French car history, because unlike the many popular manufacturers that flourished at that time, it specialised in luxury cars on the one hand, and heavy commercial vehicles on the other. At the time, we can already speak of prestige vehicles, because Delahaye's strength was to offer vehicles that were as luxurious as they were powerful. The company managed to compete with Bugatti, Rolls Royce and Hotchkiss, in particular through the purchase of the sports car manufacturer Delage in 1935. The strategy was a bold one: rather than adapting to the high demand for popular cars in these times of crisis, Delahaye preferred to specialise in prestigious vehicles, which were then reserved for the elite. The brand became famous thanks to the 135, which was to become the French symbol of luxury and sportiness for a whole generation, as it was to be available in many different body styles during its long career (1935-1952). The 135s are still referred to as masterpieces, both in terms of their lines and the quality of the materials used. The brand manufactured many rolling chassis for renowned coachbuilders. Customers did not hesitate to create unique models representing the excesses and insolence of the luxury of the time, inspired by American aesthetics. But Franay, Antem, Guilloré, Chapron, Letourneur and Dubos remained faithful to the principles of the classic European style of the post-war period and signed the most beautiful successes of Delahaye. Dubos is the French coachbuilder who specialises in simple, no-frills saloons. They are nevertheless stylish and elegant. However, the coachbuilder did make some superb cabriolets like this 135 Cabriolet from 1937.
The result is an extremely elegant cabriolet, made of many details that are assembled around the majestic six-cylinder engine fed by three Solex carburettors. Now in beautiful condition, this Delahaye 135 has a unique history for its owner. Seen in his youth, in the 1950s, he had sworn one day to own this car, then the years passed. Then, one day, his brother-in-law made a stopover in Paris to buy a Delahaye, he went with him and saw the 135 of his childhood in the back of the garage, which he hastened to buy. We are in the 1980's and the car, although in good general condition, needed some work to get it back into shape. The chassis is indeed from 1937, the engine is from 1935 (foundry number) and the body was certainly installed just after the war. Its owner undertook a complete restoration of the car with the best coachbuilders, saddlers and engine manufacturers of the time. The Atelier de Restauration de Touraine, the Maîtrise des Métiers de l'Automobile, the Carrosserie Lecoq, all worked on this Delahaye. Its owner spent countless hours over a period of almost ten years to restore this car to its former beauty. Completed in the 1990s, it was ready for the wedding of the owner's daughter and drove the bride and groom during the ceremony before being stored in the garage. The car was then regularly started and maintained over the years, with a few outings on very special occasions, which explains its current incredible condition for a restoration that is over thirty years old. Today, we offer you the opportunity to acquire a magnificent Dubos body installed after the war on this 1937 chassis 135! The design of this body is simply sublime!
We would like to thank Mr Jean Paul Tissot, President of the Delahaye Club, for his help concerning the history of this car