1950 Delahaye 135 M cabriolet présumé Barou

Belgian title
Chassis no. 805006
Engine no. 831927

- Completely restored by the Atelier Tisserand
- Rare coachbuilt model attributed to Barou
- Extremely elegant cabriolet, ready to be driven
- No reserve

With the help of Jean-Paul Tissot, the historian and president of the Delahaye Club in France, we have able to shed some light on the history of this 135. It is chassis no. 135 M # 805006, corresponding to one of the last 805000 series built by the factory, during the period 1950-52. The current engine, no. 831927, is a type 11 S 103 unit, i.e. that fitted to a 1945 Laffly BSS 163 fire engine, which tallies with the 3.5-litre Delahaye engines fitted to type 163 lorries. In recent years, this cabriolet was attributed to the coachbuilder Guilloré, but the archives and Jean-Paul Tissot's comparative work indicate instead that it was the work of the coachbuilder Jean Barou from Tournon in the Ardèche. An original document clearly shows another cabriolet bodied by Barou finishing 3rd in the 1950 Grand Prix Tourisme in Nice. This car was recorded by the Delahaye Club in the past, when it belonged to a man living in Normandy. It joined a major Belgian collection in 2016 (where it has remained since), and shortly afterwards it was sent to the Atelier Tisserand for a complete restoration. The history file with the car gives a more detailed idea of the restoration, which was carried out with great attention to detail over more than 3 years. Photographs are available on request, as well as a video showing Jean-Claude Tisserand's expertise. It was his last restoration. After being completely restored, the car is now in superb condition, with dark brown paint and hood, combined with equally attractive burgundy leather upholstery and light-coloured carpets. The upholstery was refurbished by the experienced trimmer Manuel Goncalves, for whom it was also his final project. Its 6-cylinder engine with 3 carburettors starts first time, its sound an invitation to take to the road. This fully restored car has a strong character, thanks to its original and elegant design, which is also most unusual. Offered with no reserve, this is a real opportunity to acquire one of the great makes from French automotive history that continues to fascinate collectors.

The auction of this lot will take place on Friday 18 March.
https://www.artcurial.com/fr/lot-1950-delahaye-135-m-cabriolet-presume-barou-no-reserve-4134-110