Skip to main content

LOT 41

1937 Delahaye 135 MS Cabriolet Coachwork by Chapron Chassis no. 47533

Estimate: US$225,000 - US$275,000
Lot 41

1937 Delahaye 135 MS Cabriolet

1937 Delahaye 135 MS Cabriolet
Coachwork by Chapron

Chassis no. 47533


3,557 CC OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Three Solex Carburetors
135bhp at 3,500rpm
4-Speed Electro-Mechanical Gearbox
4-Wheel Mechanically Actuated Bendix Drum Brakes
Front Independent Suspension with Transverse Leaf Spring
Rear Live Axle with Quarter-Elliptical Leaf Springs

* Original Henri Chapron Cabriolet Décapotable coachwork, with certification by Noëlle Chapron, daughter of Henri Chapron
* Restored in France by Delahaye specialist Jean-Luc Bonnefoy, with subsequent engine refurbishment
* Formerly part of the renowned Roger Tanguy Delahaye collection
* Documented history from new, including French and American ownership



THE DELAHAYE 135 MS

Introduced in the mid-1930s, the Delahaye 135 quickly became one of France's most celebrated grand touring automobiles, combining refined engineering with elegant coachwork from the country's leading carrosseries, including Figoni & Falaschi, Saoutchik, and of course, Chapron.

The ultimate 135 MS specification (Modifiée Spéciale) featured a 3.6-liter inline six with triple Solex carburetors producing 135 horsepower, while its sophisticated chassis made it a favorite among both sporting drivers and concours enthusiasts.


THE CAR OFFERED

Chassis 47533 was delivered to Henri Chapron, whose graceful Cabriolet Décapotable body perfectly captures the restrained elegance for which the coachbuilder became renowned. Sold new through AUTEX, the Paris distributor for Delahaye and Delage, the car is believed to have spent much of its life in France before benefiting from a restoration by Delahaye specialist Jean-Luc Bonnefoy in 2000, followed by an engine refurbishment in 2009. Formerly owned by noted Delahaye collector Roger Tanguy, the engine was upgraded to MS-competition specification complete with "Compétition" script on the trunk. The Delahaye remained in France until 2015 when it was acquired by American collector Tony Vincent and continued to receive careful maintenance and cosmetic attention.

Certified by Noëlle Chapron, daughter of Henri Chapron, and accompanied by documented ownership history, this beautifully proportioned Chapron-bodied 135 MS represents an outstanding example of French pre-war coachbuilt design and one of the most elegant expressions of the celebrated Delahaye marque and will add prestige to the most esteemed of collections.

Additional information

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Specialist section

Auction Viewings

  • 11 August 2026, 09:00 - 17:30 PDT
  • 12 August 2026, 09:00 - 17:30 PDT
  • 13 August 2026, 08:30 - 10:00 PDT

Bid now on these items

1938 Jaguar SS100 2.5 Roadster
Denmark

1938 Jaguar SS100 2.5 Roadster

DKK1,200,000 - DKK1,600,000
1904 Darracq 10hp Twin-Cylinder Swing-Seat Tonneau
United Kingdom

1904 Darracq 10hp Twin-Cylinder Swing-Seat Tonneau

£150,000 - £200,000