1948 Delahaye Type 135 M Chapron Three-Position Cabriolet
- Engine
- 3.5L straight-six, triple carburetor, ~110 hp
Delahaye Type 135 M cabriolet, chassis 800940, bodied by Henri Chapron as a three-position cabriolet with distinctive semi-recessed headlamps and prominent front grille, completed in 1948. Authenticated by Club Delahaye president Jean-Paul Tissot, the car retains its matching-numbers triple-carbureted 135 M engine and original Chapron coachwork. Following a comprehensive restoration carried out at the Chapron workshop, it has remained in French ownership and has been lightly used on touring events.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$123,200
- 1948 →Private saleJean Dubospartial documentation
Mining engineer living in Hauts-de-Seine, France; acquired the car early in its life after first registration in September 1948.
- 1985-07-01 →Former president of the Bugatti Clubpartial documentation
During this period the car reportedly received a thorough restoration carried out at the Chapron coachbuilder's atelier.
- → 2013Acquisition unknownCollector based in Finistère, Francepartial documentation
Ownership followed the Bugatti Club president; car was subsequently sold to the consignor in 2013.
- 2013 →Private saleCurrent consignorpartial documentation
Owner has kept the car carefully maintained and used it on local touring and rally events since acquisition.
Competition
- 19361936 24 Hours of Spa2nd and 3rd place finishes
Type 135 M cars claimed two podium positions; not confirmed as this specific chassis.
- 19371937 Le Mans 24 Hours2nd and 3rd place finishes
Type 135 M cars took two podium positions; not confirmed as this specific chassis.
- 19381938 Le Mans 24 Hours1st and 2nd place finishes
Type 135 M achieved a dominant one-two result; not confirmed as this specific chassis.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2022Inspection
Formal inspection by Club Delahaye president Jean-Paul Tissot confirming authenticity of Chapron coachwork, correct triple-carbureted 135 M engine, and matching-numbers status.
Inspection conducted circa early 2022; Tissot described the car as a clean and highly original example.
- —RestorationChapron
Reported comprehensive restoration undertaken at the Chapron coachbuilding workshop, carried out over a period of a few years from around or after July 1985.
Work took place during ownership by the former Bugatti Club president; scope described as thorough.
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