1948 Delahaye Type 135M DHC

• Rare three-position drophead coupé
• Matching chassis and engine
• Rare coachwork by Pennock
• Fully restored circa 15 years ago at a cost of 200.000 GBP
• Serviced and MoT'd in April 2021
• All documents were checked and the car was photographed personally by Auctomobile
• Other features: possibility of assisting with registration, transport, insurance, storage and Trusted Checkout payment
• Please note that this car will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Hradec Kralove, Czechia

The 1948 Delahaye Type 135M DHC by Pennock is a rare and beautiful classic car that represents the pinnacle of French engineering and design. Produced by Delahaye from 1935 to 1954, the Type 135 was a high-performance car that was designed to appeal to discerning car enthusiasts of the time.

The Delahaye Type 135M DHC was a variant of the Type 135 model, which was introduced in 1935. The car was equipped with a powerful six-cylinder engine that was capable of producing up to 115 horsepower. It was one of the fastest cars of its time, and it could reach a top speed of 95 miles per hour. The engine was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox that provided smooth and precise shifting.

The exterior of the Delahaye Type 135M DHC was designed with elegance and style in mind. The car was hand-built by the Dutch coachbuilder Pennock, which was known for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. The body was aerodynamic and well-proportioned, with sweeping lines that gave the car a sense of speed and grace. The car's retractable soft-top was a work of art in itself, crafted with care and precision.

The interior of the Delahaye Type 135M DHC was equally impressive. It was a spacious and comfortable car that was upholstered in high-quality leather and finished with polished wood trim. The seats were designed to provide maximum comfort and support, and the dashboard was fitted with a range of gauges and instruments that provided the driver with all the information they needed.

The Delahaye Type 135M DHC was not just a luxury car, it was also a high-performance machine. It was equipped with advanced suspension and steering systems that made it a joy to drive. The car was nimble and agile, and it handled well on all types of roads.

The Delahaye Type 135M DHC remains a highly sought-after classic car today. It is prized by collectors for its elegant design, exceptional performance, and outstanding craftsmanship. Owning a Delahaye Type 135M DHC by Pennock is not just about owning a car, it is about owning a piece of automotive history that represents the best of French engineering and design.

Delahaye was a family-owned automobile manufacturing company, founded by Émile Delahaye in 1894 in Tours, France. Manufacturing was moved to Paris following incorporation. Delahaye made a number of technical innovations in its early years and after establishing a racing department in 1932. The company came to particular prominence in France in the mid-to-late 1930s when its cars won a number of auto races. 
The Delahaye 135, also known as "Coupe des Alpes" after its success in the Alpine Rally, was first presented in 1935 and signified Delahaye's decision to build sportier cars than before.
Competition 135s set the all-time record at the Ulster Tourist Trophy and placed second and third in the Mille Miglia in 1936, and winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1937 and 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1938. The Le Mans victory, with Chaboud and Trémoulet at the wheel, was decisive, with two more Delahayes coming in second and fourth.
135s finished 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 11th and 12th in the 1936 French Sports Car Grand Prix at Montlhéry. John Crouch won the 1949 Australian Grand Prix driving a 135MS.
The list of independent body suppliers offering to clothe the 135 chassis is the list of France's top coachbuilders of the time.

Following World War 2, the concours-winning firm of Pennock created this outstanding - and very rare - three-position drophead coupé on the Delahaye 135M chassis. Right-hand drive, like most quality French cars of the period, this matching-numbers 135M benefits from a body-off, 'last nut and bolt' restoration undertaken by its former owner - a wealthy German industrialist - some 15 years ago at a cost of 200.000 GBP. It is understood that the car had had only one previous owner.
The Delahaye then formed part of the German owner's private collection for 10 years before arriving in the UK in 2017 when it was sold to an Englishman, who UK-registered the car and used it sparingly on 'high days and holidays'. Last year the car was fully serviced and fitted with a set of new tyres, while in April 2021 it was serviced again and MoT tested, the underside being videoed as its immaculate condition was admired.
Said to drive beautifully, this magnificent French thoroughbred is finished in two-tone dark red/plum with fine coachlines separating the two colours, while the interior is upholstered in beige hide with dark red carpets. The fully lined hood is trimmed in beige West of England cloth. Photographs of the restoration, including the engine rebuild, are on file together with the MoT certificate; original handbook; and the UK V5C document recording only one owner in this country.

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