Vehicle Description
Engine No: 800320 Chassis No: 800320 Swiss coachbuilder Graber,
produced designs for a variety of chassis including Bugatti,
Talbot, Hotchkiss and Delahaye. Considered to be the finest Swiss
coachbuilder, Graber's work is noted for his ability to integrate
high wing lines, while not making the car appear massive. Cars
fitted with custom bodywork by Graber were characterized by
rounded, organic shapes. In 1946, Hermann Graber created this
elegant Drophead coupe in his Wichtrach workshop, close to Bern. It
was one of two cars in a small series by Graber and thought by many
to be one of his most successful designs on a Delahaye chassis. Its
smooth lines and rounded volumes make it a stylist's dream. The
body speaks for itself without depending on excess chrome or
molding for embellishment. Delahaye introduced the 135 M, which
offered a slightly larger engine with improved horsepower and was
offered with a choice of single, dual, or triple carburetors. The
135 proved to more than hold its own in competition, as it swept
the top six places at Marseilles. Following the conclusion of the
war, production of the Type 135 resumed and continued with the same
3.6-liter engine used before the war. By this time, the company was
nearing its end, as the French government had placed large taxes on
cars with displacement over three liters. Even today, six decades
after the final Delahaye was produced, the famous 135-series cars
remain very highly regarded as some of the most compelling French
automobiles ever produced. The Motorcar Offered: The first owner of
this car was well known Swiss banker Maurice Labhardt. An avid
collector, having owned numerous important, mostly prewar, cars
(Bugatti, Mercedes 540 K, Lancia Lambda, Ferrari etc.), Labhadrt is
also recorded as a founding member of the Swiss Bugatti Owners
Club. After his death, the car remained in professional storage
until the second owner, Dr. J�rgen Heer of the Rothschild Bank,
bought it in the mid-1980s and owned it until 1994. At that point,
Heer sold his entire collection, some 70 cars, to Swiss car dealer
Lukas Huni. In June 1994, the car was purchased by Prof. Dr.
Norbert Reuter. Dr. Reuter subjected this car to a meticulous
restoration by Richard Gorman at Vantage Motorworks of Miami,
Florida in 1998. It was offered for sale at the Auto Salon &
Auction in the Waldorf Hotel, New York City, in 1999 where was
bought by its current owner. Today, the car still presents
beautifully. The graceful, flowing lines are emphasized by
beautiful paint, chrome and polished aluminum. Engine turned
aluminum trim accents the door openings and gives way to the
luxurious leather upholstery that envelopes the interior. The
triple carbureted 3.6 liter engine was the most powerful offered by
Delahaye and it performs flawlessly in this car. The special Cotal
transmission works perfectly and gives the driver a unique and
refined motoring experience. The car has just completed a proper
service, is fully sorted and ready to be shown and enjoyed by its
new owner. Detailed document files are included. Don't miss the
opportunity to own this exceptionally beautiful Cabriolet and with
only a few ever produced, when will you have this chance again?
