1947 Delahaye Type 135 M Cabriolet by Chapron
- Engine
- 3.5L straight-six, triple-carburetor, ~110 bhp
A Delahaye Type 135 M cabriolet bodied by Henri Chapron, chassis 800538 was completed with body number 6426 and delivered new in Paris during 1947 to Paul Portes, Chapron's personal tailor. The car was later exported to the United States, where it was owned by Colorado-based privateer driver Bruce Budy by 1964. It retains its original Chapron coachwork and a correct 3.5-litre triple-carburetor engine, and benefits from a cosmetic restoration completed in the 2010s and a comprehensive engine rebuild finished in 2022.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$357,000
- 1947 →Factory deliveryPaul Portesfull documentation
Personal tailor to Henri Chapron; took delivery of the newly bodied cabriolet in Paris after Chapron completed coachwork in early 1947.
- 1964 →Acquisition unknownBruce Budypartial documentation
Colorado-based privateer racing driver; Club Delahaye records confirm his ownership in 1964, indicating the car had been exported to the US by that point. Bumpers reportedly replaced during this era.
- 2019 →Acquisition unknownCurrent consignorpartial documentation
Kept the car in careful storage with minimal driving; commissioned a thorough engine rebuild completed in early 2022.
Competition
- 19361936 24 Hours of Spa2nd and 3rd place
Type 135 M models claimed both second and third positions; not specific to this chassis.
- 19371937 Le Mans 24 Hours2nd and 3rd place
Type 135 M entries finished second and third overall; not specific to this chassis.
- 19381938 Le Mans 24 Hours1st and 2nd place
Type 135 M secured a dominant one-two finish; not specific to this chassis.
- 19611961 Monte Carlo RallyDriver: Bruce Budy
Owner Bruce Budy participated as a privateer entrant; no result stated for this specific entry.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2022Engine rebuild
Comprehensive rebuild of the 3.5-litre straight-six engine completed in early 2022.
Commissioned by the consignor following a period of minimal use.
- —Bodywork
Bumpers replaced, likely as part of broader work carried out during the 1960s.
- —Restoration
Cosmetic restoration believed to have been carried out, resulting in the car's current exterior finish.
Estimated to have occurred during the 2010s based on current assessment; precise date and workshop unknown.
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