Delahaye 1936 put up for sale for $ 12 million (43 photos)

On the automotive marketplace Hemmings put up for sale one of 13 surviving pre-war Delahaye 135 Competition cars, released in 1936. Its price is 12,000,000 dollars. The price is determined by the status of the brand, the rarity and general condition of the car.





In its heyday, the French brand Delahaye specialized in luxury cars and successfully competed with Bugatti. Like many manufacturers before World War II, Delahaye welcomed the participation of their cars in prestigious races. It is from this the goal was to develop a chassis with the index 135 Competition. For example, in In 1938, Delahaye, based on this platform, took the first and second place.

In 1949, this sports car was able to reach the finish line of the hardest Rally Monte Carlo, which in itself was considered a feat, however the copy put up for sale is notable for another. According to the then tradition, the first owner of the car ordered from Delahaye only the chassis and engine, and the development and creation of the body was carried out by the studio of Joseph Figoni Figoni et Falaschi. Figoni was just waiting for an opportunity to create something especially elegant and streamlined and, having received an order, turned the car into little masterpiece.

Auctioneers consider this particular Delahaye 135 Competition a work of automotive art for its monumental and at the same time graceful appearance. The convertible was also the first car on which Figoni applied his own innovative development for that time - the fabric top folded completely hidden under the panels body. To the designer at the beginning of 1936, just before the construction of this convertible, even managed to obtain a patent in France for its technology.

Delahaye 135 Competition is equipped with a 3.6 inline-six liter, which developed 122 liters. With. Combined with 4-speed manual the convertible could accelerate to 155 km/h, outstanding for the pre-war years.

The car has been restored twice. Last restoration carried out with the utmost care and attention to authenticity. As a result, by according to the auctioneers, this instance has repeatedly won in various competitions of rare cars and the so-called contests elegance.

Sellers call Delahaye 135 Competition outstanding combination of luxurious design, driving comfort and sporty characteristics. Maybe it really justifies the exorbitant price, after all, the latest modern Bugatti hypercar, the track Bolide, was appreciated "only" 4 million euros.