1947 Delahaye 135 M Roadster by Guilloré

800544roadFrance

Engine: 3.6L inline-six with triple carburetors
Colour: Deep plum with violet moldings

Chassis 800544 is one of only two known surviving examples of the three two-passenger roadster variants derived from Alphonse Guilloré's celebrated post-war cabriolet design, first shown at the 1946 Paris Motor Show. Built on the potent Delahaye 135 M platform and completed at the Guilloré atelier in early 1947, the car passed through several French owners over seven decades before receiving a comprehensive concours-quality restoration. It retains its original engine, now fitted with triple carburetors, and is presented in deep plum livery with a rose-beige leather interior.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold US$555,000
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
1947-06-16 → 1950-10-17Factory delivery
Établissements Levasseur
full documentation
A prominent textile manufacturing firm based in Rouen; registration was likely made on behalf of one of its principals rather than for institutional use.
1950-10-17 → 1960Acquisition unknown
Louis Couach
partial documentation
Shipyard proprietor based in Arcachon; no details given regarding how the car was used during his ownership.
1960 → 1975Acquisition unknown
Jacques Claverie
partial documentation
Owner of a large retail establishment in Perpignan; no further details about the car's condition or use during this period.
1975 → 2017-07-01Acquisition unknown
Jean Reusse
partial documentation
Also resident in Perpignan; held the car for over four decades before selling it.
2017-07-01 →Private sale
Roger Tainguy
full documentation
Well-known Delahaye enthusiast from Épiney-sur-Orge who commissioned a thorough concours-grade restoration through specialist Jean-Luc Bonnefoy, including wooden bodywork renewal by Marcadier.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

—
Modification
Engine upgraded to triple-carburetor specification, believed to be a period-correct modification to improve performance over the standard single- or dual-carburetor setup.
The original engine number 800544 remains in situ; the upgrade is considered consistent with period practice.
—Restoration
Concept et Restauration
Comprehensive concours-quality restoration covering every aspect of the car, including rebuilding the wooden body structure. Presented in deep plum with violet coachlines and matching hood.
Restoration directed by Delahaye specialist Jean-Luc Bonnefoy; wooden bodywork specifically handled by Marcadier. Selected restoration photographs accompany the car.
—
Mechanical
Fitted with new blackwall touring tires and a replacement soft top as part of finishing work following the main restoration.
Noted by the owner at time of consignment.

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