Vehicle Description
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?