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Details
1935 DELAHAYE 135 THREE POSITION DROPHEAD
COACHWORK BY PENNOCK
Chassis No. 800947
Dark blue and silver with blue leather interior and black top
Engine: six cylinder, in-line, 3,558cc., 160bhp at 4,200rpm; Gearbox: Cotal electro-magnetic four speed; Suspension: independent front with transverse leaf springs, semi-elliptic rear; Brakes: four wheel drums all around. Right hand drive.
In 1895 railway engineer Emile Delahaye set out to produce his first motor car. Leaving behind the rolling stock designs of the French and Belgian railroads, he adeptly moved his focus to the development and utilization of the internal combustion engine in a new form of motorized transport, namely the automobile. Following in the footsteps of his contemporary, Otto Daimler, Delahaye entered his car in the 1000 mile Marseilles-Paris race. Emile Delahaye's car not only finished the race, but did so with the use of pneumatic tires, an attempt previously unheard of let alone accomplished in racing. Over the next twenty years, Emile Delahaye made smart and calculated decisions that greatly improved the quality and popularity of the car that bore his namesake. With the introduction of the 'Superluxe' car in 1936, Delahaye quickly rebounded from its past poor sales of the 1920s. The new Superluxe Delahaye was offered with two powerplants, a 4 and 6 cylinder engine, the latter of which was used in the special competition models. The early success of the Superluxe was largely due to the 1935 merger of French automaker Delage and compatriot Delahaye. The union of these two independent firms allowed for a larger client pool, greater name recognition and an increased design team. The Delage marque was predominantly known for its amazingly graceful coachbuilt bodies and luxurious appointments. The first of the conglomerate corporation cars, the 135, was sent to Montlhéry, France, where it went on to break 18 world records. The competition Delahaye featured a streamlined body and the larger, more powerful 6 cylinder engine and when compared with a Bugatti, its reasonable cost created a stir in both France and the United Kingdom. The new Delahayes were released to the public with positive acceptance. The combination of the characteristic Delage styling paired with the equally luxurious appointments and the smart engineering and mechanics of Delahaye made the car a natural success.
Like most of the manufacturers of the day, Delahaye offered their customers two choices when purchasing: either a ready built car as from their standard catalogue or a coachbuilt model by an independent supplier. During the thirties and forties, the coachbuilder's trade thrived and well-heeled clients could choose from any number of exotic companies to body their cars. Delahayes were bodied by Chapron, Labourdette, Franay, Saoutchik and many more, including this particular car that has a Pennock three position cabriolet body. Pennock weas a Dutch company who bodied just a limited number of Delahayes so this car is a rare survivor.
The present owner purchased this car from well known purveyor of special interest cars, Nigel Dawes of Birtsmorton Court, West Midlands some fifteen years ago on a trip to England. At the time of cataloguing we had not managed to research any of the previous history. The vendor subsequently brought the Delahaye to the West Coast and it has been in his private collection in Pebble Beach ever since. Other than receiving a new top and paintwork at some time in its life, the car is reported to be largely original. We are told that it has not been driven recently, having been in storage, but that it goes well albeit with relatively modest performance. The car will need some commissioning before regular use and we advise that oils, water, brakes, etc. are all checked. The three position cabriolet top fits well by all accounts and the panelwork is straight. This is an opportunity to acquire a well proportioned coachbuilt motor car that should prove ideal for family touring.
WITHOUT RESERVE
COACHWORK BY PENNOCK
Chassis No. 800947
Dark blue and silver with blue leather interior and black top
Engine: six cylinder, in-line, 3,558cc., 160bhp at 4,200rpm; Gearbox: Cotal electro-magnetic four speed; Suspension: independent front with transverse leaf springs, semi-elliptic rear; Brakes: four wheel drums all around. Right hand drive.
In 1895 railway engineer Emile Delahaye set out to produce his first motor car. Leaving behind the rolling stock designs of the French and Belgian railroads, he adeptly moved his focus to the development and utilization of the internal combustion engine in a new form of motorized transport, namely the automobile. Following in the footsteps of his contemporary, Otto Daimler, Delahaye entered his car in the 1000 mile Marseilles-Paris race. Emile Delahaye's car not only finished the race, but did so with the use of pneumatic tires, an attempt previously unheard of let alone accomplished in racing. Over the next twenty years, Emile Delahaye made smart and calculated decisions that greatly improved the quality and popularity of the car that bore his namesake. With the introduction of the 'Superluxe' car in 1936, Delahaye quickly rebounded from its past poor sales of the 1920s. The new Superluxe Delahaye was offered with two powerplants, a 4 and 6 cylinder engine, the latter of which was used in the special competition models. The early success of the Superluxe was largely due to the 1935 merger of French automaker Delage and compatriot Delahaye. The union of these two independent firms allowed for a larger client pool, greater name recognition and an increased design team. The Delage marque was predominantly known for its amazingly graceful coachbuilt bodies and luxurious appointments. The first of the conglomerate corporation cars, the 135, was sent to Montlhéry, France, where it went on to break 18 world records. The competition Delahaye featured a streamlined body and the larger, more powerful 6 cylinder engine and when compared with a Bugatti, its reasonable cost created a stir in both France and the United Kingdom. The new Delahayes were released to the public with positive acceptance. The combination of the characteristic Delage styling paired with the equally luxurious appointments and the smart engineering and mechanics of Delahaye made the car a natural success.
Like most of the manufacturers of the day, Delahaye offered their customers two choices when purchasing: either a ready built car as from their standard catalogue or a coachbuilt model by an independent supplier. During the thirties and forties, the coachbuilder's trade thrived and well-heeled clients could choose from any number of exotic companies to body their cars. Delahayes were bodied by Chapron, Labourdette, Franay, Saoutchik and many more, including this particular car that has a Pennock three position cabriolet body. Pennock weas a Dutch company who bodied just a limited number of Delahayes so this car is a rare survivor.
The present owner purchased this car from well known purveyor of special interest cars, Nigel Dawes of Birtsmorton Court, West Midlands some fifteen years ago on a trip to England. At the time of cataloguing we had not managed to research any of the previous history. The vendor subsequently brought the Delahaye to the West Coast and it has been in his private collection in Pebble Beach ever since. Other than receiving a new top and paintwork at some time in its life, the car is reported to be largely original. We are told that it has not been driven recently, having been in storage, but that it goes well albeit with relatively modest performance. The car will need some commissioning before regular use and we advise that oils, water, brakes, etc. are all checked. The three position cabriolet top fits well by all accounts and the panelwork is straight. This is an opportunity to acquire a well proportioned coachbuilt motor car that should prove ideal for family touring.
WITHOUT RESERVE
Special notice
This lot has no reserve.