1948 Delahaye 135 M Roadster by Guilloré

Delahaye had no in-house coachworks, so all its chassis were bodied by independents that created some of their most attractive designs on the Type 135.

Chassis number 800784 was bodied by the famed French coachbuilder Alphonse Guilloré, who only made three Cabriolet-bodied examples.

This is one of just two known survivors and is therefore an exceptionally rare and special example.

The ‘M’ engine, chassis and gearbox have matching numbers.

The car is currently affixed via the chassis to a custom-made dolly so that it may be moved around.

Two large wooden crates accompany the car and contain what appear to be full sets of engine, suspension, steering, braking, chrome, upholstery, trim and other original components and parts.

This vehicle is currently in storage at CARS Europe BV. If you require a quote for shipping anywhere in the world, please contact them direct (details below).

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, as their legal proof of purchase.

Unless otherwise stated, we have not tried to start or drive the car and cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

It must be collected within 7-days of the auction end. Storage charges (€70 + local VAT per car per week) will commence from the sixth day following the auction end.  These must be paid in full prior to the vehicle’s collection or onward transportation.

Collection and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Please send an email to the storage centre to ensure vehicle(s) are ready at time of collection. Photographic ID will be required at time of collection. If a third party is collecting for you, then written authorisation is required in advance from you and photographic ID of the third party is required at the time of collection. 

CARS Europe BV will contact you after the balance payment is received to confirm onward transport requirements. For enquiries about import tax and shipping contact Madam Joanna Herlihy, +31 (0) 252 682 526, +44 7483 433912, joanna@carsworldwide.com.

The bodywork has been taken right back to bare metal and prepared for the next phases of restoration. The front and rear wings and the bonnet are aluminium. The door skins are steel. There are older bonnet louvres in steel accompanying the car.

Throughout, the bodywork is straight and true, and there are no aberrations, dents or dinks to contemplate.

Evidently, the car’s wooden structure has been restored or replaced as appropriate and all the work looks to have been carried out to the highest standard.

The bodywork is a shell and, consequently, there’s no interior to describe.

The wooden crates contain the original seat frames and many other interior parts which could be restored, refurbished or used as templates for reupholstering and retrimming the car.

From what we can see, the car is impressively complete and is ready for the next stages on its restoration journey.

The engine, gearbox, steering, suspension, brakes and other mechanical components are disassembled and contained in two large wooden crates, together with sundry items of trim, fixtures and fittings.

In common with many of the cars from this collection, this example comes with very little paperwork or history.

It does, however, come with a V5C UK registration document dating from 2013.

This is a truly exceptional opportunity to acquire one of two known survivors of the three Delahaye 135M Cabriolets by Guilloré ever built.

Those examples have made significantly in excess of €500,000 at auction.

There’s every reason to believe that, once restored to the highest standards, this fine example will prove similarly desirable and precious.

We’re confident to offer this fine car for auction with an estimate of €55,000 - €70,000.

The car is currently in storage, you can see a picture of the collection as it stands today at the very bottom of the photo gallery. 

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located at CARS Europe HQ in Nieuw Vennep in the Netherlands. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and they are open weekdays between 9am – 5pm. To book an appointment, please contact Ms Joanna Herlihy (email: joanna.herlihy@carsworldwide.com, or tel: +31(0)252 682 526).

Feel free to ask any questions by clicking the Enquire About This Vehicle button, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.