Chassis No. 800544

Engine No. 800544

Without question, Alphonse Guilloré represented one of Delahaye's most exclusive and sought-after coachbuilders for their sporting chassis. Based in the Parisian suburb of Courbevoie, Guilloré created numerous outstanding production and one-off bespoke examples during their most prolific years from 1937 until 1949. On limited occasions, he was often tasked with penning a design that would grace one of the more significant motor show exhibitions. In the instance of the stunning 135 M presented here, with chassis number 800544, that was exactly the case.

For the first Paris Motor Show following the conclusion of World War II, Guilloré had begun to construct limited runs of very elegant sporting roadsters for a select clientele. Many of these were true one-offs, exhibiting unique design touches throughout, much like 800544. Notably, only a handful of these examples remain today, making them highly desirable and coveted by the most discerning collectors as outstanding driving examples but equally impressive on the show field.

Debuting in 1946 at the Paris Motor Show, Guilloré presented a new convertible with thoroughly modern lines, featuring headlights installed at the forward end of the front fenders on its stand. Incredibly stylish and fashionable, the model exhibited the streamlined look of the future and would pave the way for the ensuing Art Deco-inspired designs to follow.

For the 1947 show, Guilloré would go on to develop the design further and would execute three examples of a newly penned roadster for the stand. According to factory records, one of the latter was displayed at the Geneva Motor Show of 1947 on the stand of Albert Goy, the Swiss importer. Of note, that car has since disappeared; however, the other two survive, one of which is chassis number 800544, the car we have the pleasure of offering here. In preparation for the sale of the Delahaye, Broad Arrow research obtained a comprehensive history file on the car via Jean-Paul Tissot, President of the Delahaye Club; that record contains numerous black and white photos of the car in period and in this case, a photograph that shows 800544 under construction in Guilloré's workshop, taken during the first half of 1947.

Period records then indicate 800544 was registered on 16 June 1947 to Etablissements Levavasseur, a famous cotton spinning mill in Rouen. A few years later in 1950 it was registered to the Couach naval shipyard in Arcachon in the Gironde. A decade later the Delahaye was registered to Jacques Claverie, owner of a department store in Perpignan, Pyrénées Orientales. The Delahaye would then change ownership in 1975, when it was registered to Jean Reusse in Perpignan. The Delahaye would reside in the care of M. Reusse until 2017 when it changed hands once more, ultimately passing to the most recent owner, a renowned Delahaye collector. At that time, it was resplendent in a two-tone blue with chrome detailing however it appeared, in photographs, that the restoration had mellowed significantly by 2017.

Following his acquisition of the Delahaye in 2017, the new owner undertook an extensive restoration, executed by the respected Jean-Luc Bonnefoy's Concept et Restauration workshops in Orval. The Delahaye was completely dismantled, the wooden body structure restored by specialists Marcadier while every detail was looked after, including the electrics, sheet metal, paint, upholstery, and chrome. The aim of the restoration was to meet the demanding standards required to participate in the most prestigious international concours competitions and the belief was that 800544 met that standard flawlessly. Notably, it is now in period correct specification, with the exception of the carburetion which was upgraded from a single unit to a triple carburetor set up for increased performance in the mid 1970s.

Chassis number 800544 remains a testament to the elegant post-war designs of Alphonse Guilloré. This handsome and sporting example is remarkable in its originality and highly correct restoration. Dramatically finished in its two-tone violet paintwork with a striking complementary interior and convertible top, the 1947 Delahaye is the perfect example for those enthusiasts searching for a suitable concours level entrant for shows and events around the world.

Please note that the buyer of this Lot will be responsible for paying an import duty calculated at 2.5% of the import value and associated import fees. If the Lot is timely exported from the United States, import duty may be refundable.

Sold on International Documents: This Lot is sold on non-U.S. ownership documents, so obtaining U.S. title (if available) will take additional processing time.