1938 | Delahaye 135M Chapron

1938 Delahaye 135M Chapron Competition Coupé
Chassis Number: 49152
Registration Number: 990DW42 Cancelled French).
Delahayes have always been remarkable automobiles. Not only they were fast and easy to drive, but also beautiful to look at. The company was founded 1884 by Émile Delahaye in Tours, France. In the beginning Delahaye was experimenting with belt-driven cars, however it didn't take long time and they began to build a reputation as a manufacturer of reliable and powerful cars.
The Delahaye 135 was introduced at 1935 Paris Motor Show and within a few months it became a symbol of sporty and elegant car. Its driving characteristics are even today very impressive. In the time of their glory Delahayes won in race such as Grand Prix Automobile de Marseille, Rallye Monte Carlo or 24 Hours of LeMans. Type 135 M (Modifieé) was introduced in 1936 as a new top-of-the-line model. It is powered by 3.5 litre, inline six-cylinder OHV engine with three Zenith-Stromberg carburettors which generates approx. 150 BHP.
This magnificent Delahaye chassis #49152 is one of the Chapron built examples on the Delahaye 135 competition chassis. The car's history is completely known since the day one. The chassis was delivered to the famous Chapron works on 8th of March 1938 on behalf of its owner Mr. Floirat a wealthy industrialist from St. Dennis. They built his favorite design called simply "the Coach" bearing body number #5814. The car has been only in care of two fastidious owners since 1960 until being acquired in 2023 by the current owner.
Correspondence with the car from the Chapron family confirms the car's body to be the original one fitted in 1938. This is arare chance to acquire a French Grande Routier which would make a great & more sporting alternative to a Derby Bentley or similar. The coachwork is elegant in the extreme with a long louvred bonnet & scalloped side vents running its entire length. Marechal Aeroluxe lamps are fitted to the front of the car.
The car is finished in a restrained Champagne colour with the paint being in superb order of recent origin. To the interior is wonderful original burgundy leather along with newer burgundy carpets. The dash is of inely figured walnut in the best of french coachbuilding tradition. Inside the large boot are two fitted suitcases. The lusty 3.6 litre triple carb engine feeds its power though an easy to use Cotal gear box. The interior is simply a delightful place to sit reeking of French quality & with a real "gentlemans club" feel to it. Some period photographs come with the car showing the car in period with an alpine backdrop.
The car is located in Prague where it may be viewed by prior appointment & is EEC taxes paid. We can of course arrange world wide delivery. This is one of a TRIO we have from the same collection with the other two being cabriolets.