A Masterpiece by Figoni et Falaschi Heads to Auction.
A rare and magnificent 1936 Delahaye Type 135 Competition Court Teardrop Coupe, with coachwork by the renowned Figoni et Falaschi, is set to be one of the star attractions at Mecum’s Monterey 2024 auction. This particular vehicle, chassis number 47242, is a true masterpiece of pre-war automotive design, combining race-proven engineering with the artistic vision of one of the most celebrated coachbuilders in history.
The 1936 Delahaye Type 135 Competition Court is among the most exclusive and sought-after automobiles ever produced. Only an estimated 30 Competition Court models were built between 1935 and 1937, each offered as a homologation special to a select group of Delahaye’s most loyal customers. These vehicles were sold as bare chassis, to be custom-fitted with lightweight coachwork by the customer’s preferred carrossier, and they were essentially road-going Grand Prix cars, featuring a powerful 3.5-liter inline-six engine, a low-mounted engine, an oil cooler below the radiator, and a competition-spec 4-speed manual transmission.
Chassis number 47242, the last of six short-wheelbase coupes built by Figoni et Falaschi in 1936, is one of only three surviving examples today. This car is particularly unique, with its distinctive bonnet and a single row of hood louvers, and it is the only 1936 Delahaye Type 135 with headlamps integrated between the front fenders—an innovative design feature that would become a hallmark of future Figoni et Falaschi creations.
The history of this extraordinary Delahaye is as fascinating as its design. Originally delivered to the Delahaye factory, it is believed to have been used as a demonstrator and exhibited at concours events. During World War II, the car was hidden from occupying forces, resurfacing in France in the early 1950s. Over the next few decades, it passed through several owners before being discovered in remarkably complete condition in the late 1990s.
The car was then imported to the United States, where it underwent an extensive restoration to concours-winning standards. The restoration included the sourcing of a correct Competition-spec 3.5-liter engine, complete with the rare triple Solex carburetors, as well as meticulous work on the wood framework and body. The car was refinished in its original black paint, complemented by rich chromed trim, and the interior was beautifully restored with red leather upholstery featuring quill ostrich inserts, hand-sculpted wood trim, and an elegant engine-turned dash panel.
Since its restoration, this Delahaye has been a consistent winner on the concours circuit. It made its public debut at the 2001 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it won First in Class. In 2003, it earned Best of Show at both the Celebration of Automobiles at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Concours d’Elegance of Texas. More recently, it was awarded Best of Show and People’s Choice at the 2014 Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Ontario and was featured in the “Art in Automobiles” exhibit at the 2015 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.
A True Masterpiece
The 1936 Delahaye Type 135 Competition Court Teardrop Coupe represents the pinnacle of pre-war automotive design and engineering. With its combination of race-derived performance and the breathtakingly elegant coachwork by Figoni et Falaschi, this car is a genuine masterpiece. As it crosses the auction block at Mecum’s Monterey 2024 event, it offers a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire one of the most beautiful and historically significant automobiles ever created.
This great vehicle is selling at Mecum Monterey. Visit their site to learn more about this and their other consignments.
