For Sale at Auction: 1946 Delahaye 135 Roadster in Carmel, California

Chassis No. 800440
Engine No. 800440

Certain great names destined to meet give rise to the finest of automobiles. Such is the genesis of this Delahaye 135 M Roadster.

A product of one of mid-20th-century France's most celebrated marques, the 135 was introduced in 1935 and soon earned the "Coupe des Alpes" name following its success in the Alpine Rally. The 135 M arrived in 1936, its suffix denoting Modifie, bringing an enlarged 3,557-cc overhead-valve six-cylinder engine to Jean Fran�ois' low-slung chassis. The engine could be ordered with one, two, or three carburetors, producing 90, 105, or 115 horsepower respectively, and the range-topping triple downdraught Solex arrangement closely mirrored the induction of Delahaye's racing cars of the period. In competition, the 135 built a strong reputation in the late 1930s. The lightweight 135 Competition cars swept the top positions at the Three Hours of Marseille in 1936, and Delahaye went on to finish 2nd overall at Le Mans in 1937 before taking 1st, 2nd, and 4th there the following year. This car retains the coveted M specification in its most potent form, its matching-numbers 3.5-liter engine breathing through three carburetors to produce 115 horsepower.

From Paris, this bare chassis was sent to England to receive a unique, one-off body by E.D. Abbott Ltd. A prominent British firm, Abbott gained renown for its exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, cutting and draping bespoke bodies for leading marques that elevated the performance and style of the underlying chassis. The result pairs the elegant lines of a French chassis with distinctly British tailoring.

The car is understood to have been commissioned new by the Maharaja of Indore, Yashwant Rao Holkar II, a widely traveled patron of fine coachwork whose fascination with automobiles reflected the cosmopolitan and sophisticated tastes of Indian royalty during the interwar period. Throughout his global travels, he cultivated deep friendships with the leading Western intellectuals and artists of his time, speaking flawless French and English, and later taking an American wife in his second nuptials. He likely exported the car from Great Britain to the United States, where he was then building a residence. Following his passing in 1961, the Roadster would later reemerge at a vintage automobile salon in New York.

In the 1960s, the late Robert Cory, Hollywood producer and renowned interior designer, acquired the Roadster, remaining its dedicated custodian for over half a century. Throughout this extensive period, the car was meticulously maintained, gracing the fairways of the world's most prestigious events, including the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on two occasions in 1982 and 2003, and the Marin-Sonoma Concours in 2009.
Under Cory's stewardship, the Delahaye retained its original presentation, defined by large Lucas headlights, bumpers, and a striking red-and-black livery. This configuration matches the original rendering by E.D. Abbott's chief stylist, Jack Highton, a historical document brought to light by Jean-Paul Tissot, Honorary Chairman of the Club Delahaye. Tissot also featured this very car in his definitive work, Delahaye: La belle carrosserie fran�aise, and has provided a chassis report, which remains on file.

Today, the car boasts a masterful restoration completed in 2000, featuring an exquisite interior crafted by Ken Nemenick, with Jacques "Frenchie" Harguindeguy and the late Jules Heumann. It is now finished in a commanding solid black without bumpers, and features Marchal headlights. The cockpit, upholstered in an exceedingly elegant green leather, is anchored by a burl wood dashboard housing a magnificent set of O.S. gauges.

From its bespoke interior to its long, unbroken, free-flowing fenders, this magnificent one-off 135 M, still retaining its original matching-numbers engine, embodies the classic elegance of Delahaye, paired with the finest in British coachwork. Offered today from a prominent Southern California collection, it promises its next custodian a future filled with prestigious concours and touring opportunities at the wheel.