1937 DELAHAYE 135 M CABRIOLET DUBOS
Serial number 48718
Unique example with Dubos bodywork
Same owner since 1981
French registration
Delahaye is a mythical name in French automotive history, because unlike the many popular manufacturers that flourished at that time, it specializes in luxury cars on the one hand, and in heavy commercial vehicles on the other. At the time, we can already speak of prestige vehicles, because Delahaye's strength is to offer vehicles that are as luxurious as they are efficient. The company managed to compete with Bugatti, Rolls Royce and Hotchkiss, in particular through the purchase of the sports car manufacturer Delage in 1935. The strategy was a bold one, rather than adapting to the high demand for popular cars in these times of crisis, Delahaye preferred to specialise in prestigious vehicles then reserved for the elite. The brand became famous thanks to the 135, which was to become the French symbol of luxury and sportiness for a whole generation, as it came in many different body styles during its long career (1935-1952). The 135s are still described as masterpieces, both in terms of their lines and the quality of their materials. The brand will manufacture many rolling chassis for renowned coachbuilders. The customers did not hesitate to create unique models representing the excesses and insolence of the luxury of that time, inspired by the American aesthetic. But Franay, Antem, Guilloré, Chapron, Letourneur and also Dubos remained faithful to the principles of the classic post-war European style and signed the most beautiful Delahaye successes. Dubos is the French coachbuilder who specialises in simple, no-frills saloons. They are nevertheless racy and elegant. Nevertheless, the coachbuilder made superb cabriolets like this 135 Cabriolet from 1937.
The result is an extremely elegant cabriolet, made of many details that are assembled around the majestic six-cylinder engine fed by three Solex carburetors. Today in very good condition, this Delahaye 135 has a singular history for its owner. Seen in his youth, in the 1950's, he had sworn one day to own this car, then the years passed. Then, one day, his brother-in-law made a stopover in Paris to buy a Delahaye, he went with him and saw the 135 of his childhood in the back of the garage, which he hastened to buy. We are in the 1980's and the car, although in good general condition, needed some work. The chassis is indeed from 1937, the engine is from 1935 (foundry number) and the body was certainly installed just after the war. Its owner undertook a complete restoration of the car with the best bodybuilders, saddlers and engine manufacturers of the time. The Atelier de Restauration de Touraine, the Maîtrise des Métiers de l'Automobile, the Carrosserie Lecoq, all worked on this Delahaye. Its owner spent almost ten years to give this car back its former beauty. Completed in the 1990s, it was ready for the wedding of the owner's daughter and drove the bride and groom during the ceremony before being stored in the garage. The car was then regularly started and maintained over the years, being driven out on a few very special occasions, which explains its current incredible condition for a restoration dating back more than thirty years. Today, we offer you the opportunity to acquire a magnificent Dubos body installed after the war on this 1937 chassis 135! The design of this body is simply sublime!
We would like to thank Mr Jean Paul Tissot, President of the Delahaye Club, for his help regarding the history of this car
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