Exquisitely restored and highly desirable 135M. Rare Grand Luxe coachwork by Chapron. Triple carburetors, Cotal Preselect gearbox. 2006 Meadowbrook class winner. Fabulous presentation for concours or touring.
Breathtakingly elegant, this 1948 Delahaye 135M is one of a number of Delahayes bodied by the great Henri Chapron. This stunning 3-position drophead coupe body style was officially known as “Dandy Grand Luxe,” debuting at the very first post-war Paris Salon in 1946. The hallmark full-figured Chapron look features faired-in headlamps and smoother, integrated fenders to bring it up-to-date in the post-war era. This example has enjoyed single continuous ownership since the mid-seventies. In the early 2000s, the owner commissioned the highly respected shop International Auto Restoration of Oak Lawn, Illinois to perform a concours-quality nut-and-bolt restoration. Upon completion, the car debuted at the 2006 Meadowbrook concours, where it secured a class win and an invitation to the prestigious Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. It has remained with the same owner since then, enjoyed on occasion, and maintained in exquisite condition.
Elegant colors highlight Chapron’s impeccable style, with Capucin Gray providing the base and Marine Blue accents on the fenders and body feature lines. The paint quality is outstanding, as one would expect from a concours-quality restoration. The panels are precisely fit and absolutely straight. Likewise, the brightwork and plating are exceptional. Pencil thin bumpers, chrome side moldings, and graceful landau irons add carefully judged flash to the elegantly restrained coachwork.
