• Year of manufacture 
    1950
  • Car type 
    Convertible / Roadster
  • Lot number 
    50
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Location
    France
  • Exterior colour 
    Other

Description

French title
Chassis n° 801610

- Ex-Collection Albert Prost - ordered new in 1950 by Albert Prost
- Exceptional and unique Saoutchik body
- Unusual history
- Superb restoration

The roots of the Delahaye 135 can be found deep in the " Super-Luxe " series unveiled at the 1933 Paris Motor Show. The Type 138 formed the basis for the entire 135 family that was the ultimate development of Delahaye's six-cylinder range. The new, low chassis benefitted from independent front suspension and a 3.2-litre 90 bhp six-cylinder engine. With a lightly modified version, Delahaye established several records on the Montlhéry speed ring during the summer of 1933, including completing 500km at over 158 km/h. In May 1934, the marque went further with a profiled coupé that covered 10,000km at an average speed of over 168 km/h, an emphatic demonstration of the robustness of the engineering.
The car that would become the 135 was presented at the 1934 Paris Motor Show. Derived from the 138, it had a lower, more graceful shape, and its mechanical versatility and balanced handling made the car a huge success. Completing the range with a 3.5-litre 20 CV model, the 135 was a success was on two fronts: aesthetically, with a wide range of elegant bodies built by the best French coachbuilders, and in competition, with numerous victories including the Monte-Carlo Rally and the ACF Grand Prix. The 3.5-litre MS version ("modifiée spéciale"), with three carburettors was the most powerful of the touring car range, and production of this model continued until the 1950s.
The car on offer has a very interesting history. The Delahaye 135 MS chassis was bought new from the local Delahaye agent in Roanne by Albert Prost, who had the car bodied by Saoutchik, selecting his own style of elegant four-seater cabriolet. This was a time when you could go to a coachbuilder of your choice and commission an automobile that was entirely made-to-measure, just as an elegant lady would have her dress made by a designer such as Christian Dior or Yves Saint-laurent on Avenue Montaigne. Five years later, on June 1 1955, he sold it to a certain Garage Le Marais, but re-discovering the car at the start of the 1980s, he decided to buy it back ! In order to revive the original splendour of this handsome automobile, he undertook a complete restoration. The file contains several interesting items relating to its history : the period promotional brochure with prices from the Delahaye dealer in Roanne, several photos of the car during the 1950s with Mrs Prost, and a photo taken after Prost found the car but before it was restored.
After his death, his children entrusted us to sell their father's collection in 2014. This car was sold to the current owner, a dealer and aesthete but above all a great enthusiast of rare cars from all eras.
This exceptional and unique car is fitted with Borrani wire wheels and a Cotal gearbox. Its flowing design corresponds perfectly to Saoutchik's style at this time, with enveloping front wings that stretch back towards the rear of the car and without an overload of chrome to spoil the flowing profile. The stunning burgundy red paintwork adds a certain dignity. Inside, the well-preserved cognac leather upholstery displays a charming patina. The large four-spoke steering wheel sits in front of the sporting dashboard of the Delahaye 135 that displays a period Commodor radio. The boot houses two original suitcases, shaped to fit beautifully in the space.
With a grand body style, luxuriously equipped, in impeccable condition and with exceptional history, this car will be coveted by the world's best concours d'élégance events. Being a four-seater cabriolet, it has the added attraction of being able to take family and friends on enjoyable excursions.

Please note that this vehicle is being sold without MOT.

Full catalogue and more photos https://www.artcurial.com/en/sale-4315-retromobile-2023-artcurial-motorcars


ARTCURIAL MOTORCARS
7 rond-point des Champs-Élysées
75008Paris
France
Contact Person Kontaktperson
Title 
Mr
First name 
Artcurial
Last name 
Motorcars

Phone 
+33-142992073