Delahaye 135 M Cabriolet “Malmaison” 1948 - #800997 - Carrosserie Pourtout - Superb condition - Known history

This Delahaye 135 M left the workshops of Marcel Pourtout in Rueil-Malmaison in 1948. It is a very beautiful and rare example of the early post-war Delahayes, blending classical styling with the emerging “ponton” integral body style.

Our chassis #800997 was built to be exhibited at the 1948 Paris Motor Show under the name “Malmaison.” The vertical grille is a creation of Philippe Charbonneaux, then approved by the brand for his designs starting in 1946, but revised by the coachbuilder.

This car took part in numerous period concours d’élégance, including the one in Enghien-les-Bains in June 1949 and the one at the Grande Cascade in the Bois de Boulogne. It is also known to have been, with its registration 1548 C 75, the property in 1952 of the Marquis de Cuevas, a famous choreographer and director of a ballet company, followed by several French owners including the Count de Ribot in 1954 (461 BW 06), Mr. Louis de Poitevin de Fontignac in 1957 (851 CM 16), Mr. Beauvais in 1970 (613 LC 86), Mr. Vernhes in 1982 (3429 KM 32), and in 1983 Mr. Ramos (1943 JP 33) before being exported to the United States after a restoration (bodywork-paint-trim) carried out by the Atelier Automobiles Anciennes in Chambray-lès-Tours in 1988/1989.

A letter from Claude Pourtout (son of coachbuilder Marcel Pourtout), who supervised the restoration, authenticates the car as a creation of his father's workshops.

Sold at auction in New York in October 1989, the car was exhibited in two museums in the USA before being purchased by the current owner over 10 years ago.

The car retains its original engine #800997 & type 103 6S with three carburetors and Cotal gearbox. The entire drivetrain has been serviced for the sale and is in good working condition.

Painted in blood red with a white dashboard and white leather upholstery, it is equipped with chrome wire wheels with central locking (an option on the 135 M). The car still has a US title but has been cleared through customs in Europe.

The car belongs to a well-known French collector who had the car serviced for the sale. It will not require any further work for its future owner.

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The details and information in this listing are based on the seller’s statements and are his sole responsibility.

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Internal reference: AO19321