1936 Delahaye 135 Competition Disappearing Top Convertible – A Masterpiece of Automotive Art

1936 Delahaye 135 Competition Disappearing Top Convertible – A Masterpiece of Automotive Art

 

The 1936 “Talk of Paris” Delahaye 135 Competition Convertible is a one-of-a-kind creation by renowned French coachbuilder Joseph Figoni, marking the beginning of his celebrated streamlined teardrop era. With its striking, aerodynamic design and Figoni-patented disappearing top, this masterpiece seamlessly blends elegance with performance.

 

Commissioned by Parisian enthusiast Monsieur Wolf, the car was designed for both concours events and competitive racing, featuring a powerful 3.5-liter, 120-horsepower inline-six competition engine, triple Solex carburetors, and a competition-grade chassis. It was a true dual-purpose machine, equally at home on the boulevard and the racetrack.

 

With an impeccable provenance, this Delahaye has been meticulously restored to a flawless 100-point concours standard. It has earned over 25 Best of Show awards and numerous accolades, including Most Elegant and Best Pre-War. It is the only car of its design—Figoni Body #581, Chassis #46864—fully authenticated by Club Delahaye France, with matching numbers and an extensive historical record.

 

Beyond its unparalleled beauty and engineering, the car holds historical significance, competing in the 1949 Monte Carlo Rally and embodying the legacy of Figoni et Falaschi’s groundbreaking designs. From its exquisite Bleu Foncé paint to the handcrafted ostrich leather interior, every detail reflects the artistry and innovation of 1930s French coachbuilding.

 

Whether admired as a concours champion, a high-performance machine, or a true work of art, this Delahaye stands as one of the most significant automobiles of its era—an objet d’art on wheels, ready to captivate and inspire its next custodian.

This version keeps all the key details while making it more concise, engaging, and unique. Let me know if you’d like any refinements!