1938 Delahaye 135 M Chapron Cabriolet
- Engine
- 135 MS-specification inline engine with triple carburetors and competition-style exhaust manifold
- Colour
- Two-tone blue
Chassis 49304 is a 1938 Delahaye 135 M bodied by Chapron as a cabriolet with distinctive pontoon fenders. Dispatched early that year, it passed through Dutch private ownership before spending 44 years in prominent Dutch museum collections, first at Automuseum Driebergen and then within the Louwman Collection. A 5,000-hour nut-and-bolt restoration was completed in 2005 by French marque specialist Ian Polson, upgrading the car to 135 MS specification with triple carburettors. It was subsequently exhibited at the 2007 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$207,200
- → 1956Dutch owner, identity unknownpartial documentation
Car entered Netherlands after coachwork completion; no further details on this ownership period are available.
- 1956 → 1969Acquisition unknownAutomuseum Driebergenpartial documentation
One of the Netherlands' major automotive collections of the era; held the car until the museum's entire collection was sold.
- 1969 → 2000-08-01Private saleEvert Louwmanpartial documentation
Acquired as part of the bulk purchase of the Driebergen museum's holdings; kept in his Leidschendam collection, which grew into one of the world's foremost private automotive collections.
- 2000-08-01 → 2005Acquisition unknownUK-based collectorpartial documentation
Commissioned a thorough ground-up restoration by French marque specialist Ian Polson, reportedly requiring around 5,000 labour hours and including an uprated 135 MS-spec engine and full cosmetic refinish.
- 2005 →Private saleNorwegian collectorpartial documentation
Described as highly detail-oriented; reportedly committed an additional €100,000 to refine cosmetic details and improve suspension and steering for touring use.
Competition
- 20072007 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este
Car was exhibited at this prestigious concours following completion of the Norwegian owner's refinement work.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2000RestorationIan Polson
Comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration reportedly spanning 5,000 hours, encompassing full mechanical refurbishment and cosmetic refinishing in two-tone blue paintwork with contrasting light-blue leather interior.
Work also included fitment of a period-correct 135 MS-specification engine with triple carburettors and a rare competition exhaust manifold, alongside sympathetic modern upgrades such as an alternator, electronic ignition, electric fuel pump, cooling fan, and defroster. Original replaced parts were retained.
- 2005Mechanical
Suspension and steering geometry refined for improved drivability, accompanied by numerous minor cosmetic enhancements to elevate overall presentation.
Work commissioned by the Norwegian owner at a reported cost of €100,000; completed prior to the 2007 Villa d'Este concours appearance.
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