Vehicle Description
In 1935, Delahaye introduced the Type 135 at the Paris Salon,
featuring a lowered chassis that marked a continued trend towards
high-performance automobiles. Initially available in Sport,
Competition, and Special variants, the Type 135 became renowned for
its racing prowess and sophisticated design. Esteemed coachbuilders
such as Henri Chapron, Joseph Figoni, Marius Franay, Marcel
Pourtout, and Jacques Saoutchik crafted many examples, with factory
competition and privateer racing models being produced in smaller
quantities on shortened-wheelbase chassis. The Type 135's 3.5-liter
engine, especially in its competition form with three carburetors
producing 110 horsepower, achieved significant success in European
racing. Notable achievements include podium finishes at the 24
Hours of Spa in 1936, the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1937, and a 1-2
finish at Le Mans in 1938. As peace returned to Europe in the wake
of World War II, Delahaye looked to restart production of its
pre-war models as a means to generate revenue. Postponed by some
eight years because of the conflict, the marque's first new model
since the Type 165 was finally launched in 1948, dubbed the 175.
Delahaye's 175 was among the most modern and advanced cars built
anywhere in the world upon its 1948 introduction. The 175 utilized
a variant of the 135's Le Mans-proven, overhead-valve straight six,
enlarged from 3.6 to 4.5 liters, featuring a new aluminum block,
and capable of a smoothly delivered 165 hp in three-carburetor S
specification. The 175 chassis, with its powerful and reliable
engine, was intended to launch the company's postwar success;
however, just 107 Type 175s of all specifications were built
between 1948 and 1951. This splendid recreation was built as an
homage to the Type 175 Delahayes and their accomplishments both on
and off the track. This car was commissioned with open-cockpit,
cycle-fendered coachwork in the style long favored by Delahaye for
its GP racers. Presented in correct French Racing Blue and modeled
after the Ecurie Lutetia 175 SC GP car that ran at Le Mans in 1949,
1950, and 1951, this car faithfully reproduces many of that unique
car's features, down to its four-speed, Cotal pre-selector gearbox,
three sidedraft carburetor setup, Rudge-style wire wheels, and
hand-formed aluminum body. Upon completion, this car was displayed
at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2005, subsequently
joining a West Coast-based collection where it remained on static
display for many years. While it remains in running condition,
additional sorting and recommissioning are required before it
returns to the road (or track!). Only a small percentage of 135's
and 175's were completed as open grand prix racecars. Surviving
examples of these celebrated competition cars have evolved into the
centerpieces of some of today's most respected collections, sharing
a top-shelf niche with contemporaneous cars by Bugatti and
Talbot-Lago, among others. This meticulously finished recreation
offers significant performance and aesthetic value at a fraction of
the cost, making it an excellent addition to any sporting
collection. Offers welcome and Trades Considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7705-1948-delahaye-type-175/
