To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Amelia
Island event, 6 - 7 March 2020.
Estimate:
$350,000 - $450,000
- Offered from the Todd and Peggy Nagler Collection
- Part of the collection since 1972
- Beautiful recent cosmetic restoration in striking colors
- Factory triple-carbureted engine and Cotal transmission
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
The Delahaye 135, introduced in Paris in 1935, straddled both the
pre-war and post-war eras. It boasted a brand-new chassis with the
same 3.6-liter, six-cylinder engine first seen in the earlier Type
138, and it proved to be a remarkable car upon its release. One
year later 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 able to more than hold its own in competition, as it
swept the top six places at Marseilles in 1936. In the following
years, leading up to the beginning of the Second World War, the 135
further cemented its reputation, taking 2nd overall at Le Mans in
1937 and 1st, 2nd, and 4th the following year. Outside of Le Mans,
Delahaye 135s also took 1st at the Rallye Monte Carlo in 1937 and
1939.
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.
CHASSIS NUMBER 801355: THE DETROIT DELAHAYE
Delahaye chassis number 801355 was acquired by Charles Nagler for
the family collection in 1972 from his fellow Detroit businessman
and enthusiast Michael Berry. Typical for French cars in this era,
it had long been referred to as a 1938, though research soon proved
it was in fact built in early 1949, with the car having been
delivered to Chapron for coachwork on 22 February and completed
sometime in March. It was equipped as a 135 M with the desirable
high-performance triple-carbureted engine and Cotal gearbox, as
retained today.
The Naglers exhibited the car at a concours d'elegance in Toronto
in 1973, as well as in that year's Sports Cars in Review exhibit at
the Henry Ford Museum. Afterward the family appears to have begun
considering further restoration. The file, which is a fascinating
glimpse at international parts hunting pre-Google, includes
numerous pieces of correspondence with shock-absorber manufacturer
Andre and other French suppliers in sourcing correct parts. Early
Delahaye enthusiasts Andre Surmain and Ed Windfelder corresponded,
as well. After restoration work, the car was occasionally shown and
toured into the early 1990s, then remained largely stowed away
until the early 21st century. In 2016 a cosmetic restoration was
completed by 203 Custom Car Works of Ypsilanti, Michigan, with an
interior by the respected craftsman Mark Larder and chrome by
Brightworks of Piqua, Ohio. These efforts were soon recognized by
the Concours d'Elegance of America, where Peggy earned a Lion award
at St. John's in 2018.
Accompanying the car is Todd Nagler's typically detailed research,
correspondence, and maintenance file, as well as numerous
photographs taken over the last five decades and a collection of
books, brochures, and bulletins.
This lovely Delahaye, presented in appropriate colors and finishes
that enhance the subtle and beautifully proportioned features
Chapron is known for, is ready for a new owner to write its next
chapter of touring and concours adventures.To view this car and
others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM
website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am20.
