1946 Delahaye 135 Cabriolet by Figoni et Falaschi
A Delahaye 135 cabriolet (chassis 800308) bodied by the celebrated coachbuilder Figoni et Falaschi in early 1946, the sixth such post-war commission from that atelier. Delivered new to a French embassy official in Argentina, it spent decades in Buenos Aires before returning to France in 2003, where specialist restorer Dominique Tessier brought it back to concours condition. The restored car subsequently appeared at prestigious events including the Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold €376,250 (≈ $414K)
- 1946-06-01 →Factory deliveryMr. Timsittpartial documentation
French embassy employee in Argentina who took delivery of the completed cabriolet and had the car shipped immediately to Buenos Aires, where it was registered locally.
- 2003-07-01 →Private saleMr. Dayezpartial documentation
Purchased the car in Argentina and repatriated it to France, commissioning Dominique Tessier of Chambray Les Tours to carry out a full concours-level restoration. He showed the car at multiple French concours events and at Villa d'Este before his death.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownFernando Renato Seguinpartial documentation
Acquired the car in the late 1960s while still in Argentina; during his ownership the grille and bumpers were replaced and the wheel flanges removed. A photograph of him at the wheel during his daughter's wedding in 1968 is known to exist.
Competition
- —Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este
Car was exhibited at Villa d'Este following its full restoration, prior to the passing of owner Mr. Dayez.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Modification
Grille and bumpers replaced with new units, and the wheel flanges were removed, altering the car's original appearance.
Carried out in Buenos Aires around the time Fernando Renato Seguin acquired the car in the late 1960s.
- —Restoration
Partial restoration commenced in Argentina but was left unfinished; the scope of work completed was not specified.
Undertaken in the early 1990s while the car was still in Argentina.
- —RestorationDominique Tessier
Comprehensive restoration to full concours standard, returning the car to its original configuration and appearance after the incomplete earlier work.
Commissioned by Mr. Dayez following the car's return to France in 2003; Dominique Tessier of Chambray-lès-Tours is noted for specialist Delahaye work.
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