Vehicle Description
From its foundation in 1894, Delahaye quickly rose to prominence in
the French motor industry. Their reputation for quality and
performance resulted from their exploits at Le Mans and elsewhere
across Europe in the highly competitive world of Grand Prix racing.
In 1935, Delahaye unveiled a new car that became one of the most
successful models in its history - the Type 135. Aside from being a
natural-born competitor, the Type 135 chassis was also a darling of
the prestigious French coachbuilding industry, proving to be the
canvas of choice for many a masterpiece of French design from
highly prestigious firms including Chapron, Franay, and Figoni et
Falaschi. As the dust of war settled, the citizens and industry of
France emerged from the rubble battered but far from broken.
Delahaye reopened its factory, initially just for 3 � -ton truck
production, which paid the bills thanks to the high demands of
Reconstruction. In 1946, the Type 135M resumed production, and
Delahaye was finally back in the business of building France's
premier sportscars. Engineers revised the 135 with a widened track
for better handling and improved the overhead valve six-cylinder
engine, offering up to 130 horsepower for the "MS" and considerably
more for racing. The emerging postwar aesthetic proved a fine match
for the superb chassis, and bodies varied as widely as owners'
personalities. Ultimately, Delahaye built 1,155 post-war Type 135s
through 1952, but sadly, it was all over in 1954 following a merger
with Hotchkiss. The Delahaye offered here is one of a scant few
Type 135s with coachwork by Worblaufen of Berne, Switzerland.
Carrosserie Worblaufen may be a lesser-known coachbuilding firm,
yet they enjoyed a quiet reputation for superb quality
craftsmanship and tasteful, understated design. Fritz Ramseier
founded the firm in 1929 in his home village of Worblaufen and was
joined by his brothers Earnst and Hans, who assisted with sales and
running the workshop, respectively. Their early work consisted
mainly of drophead versions of humble Opels, Renaults, and
Peugeots, but soon, a more sophisticated clientele came calling.
Before long, chassis from Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, and
Isotta-Fraschini were dotted throughout the workshop. Delahaye was
an ideal fit for Worblaufen's style and quality, and the firm
bodied about a dozen chassis in-period, of which just four or five
survive. According to Club Delahaye historians, chassis number
800319 is one of nine Worblaufen-bodied Delahayes known to survive.
While the earliest history it not known, it was likely sold to a
Swiss owner considering the choice of coachwork. In the early
1990s, it was owned by known marque enthusiast James Brandy of
Oakdale, Pennsylvania. He placed an advert in a French newspaper
listing the car for sale, with photos showing it in unrestored but
complete condition. It was subsequently restored in an American
restoration shop for a Mr. John McDonald, who traded it to the most
recent owner in the late 1990s. As offered, it is in lovely
condition with a well preserved restoration. Some subtle
alterations were made to the design during its restoration, with
notable elements including low-mounted Marchal headlamps, rear
wheel spats, and polished body side trim. These touches were
inspired by similar Worblaufen designs used on Alfa Romeo chassis
and highlight its graceful, curvaceous lines. Gorgeous ventilated
wheel covers and black wall tires provide the perfect finishing
touch to this sporting grande routiere.The restoration has matured
gracefully, displaying excellent, consistent finishing of the dark
metallic blue paint and brightwork. Worblaufen coachwork is highly
regarded for its impressive quality, which is apparent throughout
this marvelous automobile. The lovely interior offers plenty of
room for four passengers. Like the exterior, the soft trim is well
preserved since its restoration and presents in excellent condition
with attractive taupe-colored leather piped in blue, matching light
tan carpets, and a woodgrain-effect instrument panel. Switches and
controls are in good order, including the correct O.S. dials and
three-spoke banjo steering wheel. Understated yet luxurious, the
cabin is undoubtedly a marvelous place to spend the day motoring
along your favorite roads. The side-hinged bonnet opens to reveal
the period-correct OHV inline-six equipped with triple carburetors
and backed by a four-speed Cotal pre-select gearbox. Club experts
believe this car originally had the preferred three-carburetor "MS"
engine, making the current unit true to original specs. The engine
bay is well detailed, tidy, and honestly presented, with authentic
ancillaries and paint finishes. It runs well and is ideally suited
for further preparation for touring and road events. Of the
approximately 45 known examples of Worblaufen coachwork extant,
this marvelous Delahaye is certainly one of the standouts. It is a
beautiful machine that combines the best restrained Swiss
aesthetics and sporty French underpinnings in a beautifully crafted
package. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6944-1946-delahaye-135m-drophead-coupe-by-worblaufen/
