1946 Delahaye 135M Drophead Coupé

From its foundation in 1894, Delahaye quickly rose to prominence in the French motor industry through exploits at Le Mans and Grand Prix racing. In 1935, Delahaye unveiled the Type 135, which became one of the most successful models in its history and a darling of the coachbuilding industry. This example is one of a few Type 135s with coachwork by Worblaufen of Berne, Switzerland — founded in 1929 by Fritz Ramseier, whose firm bodied about a dozen Delahaye chassis, of which just nine or so survive today.

In a report by Club Delahaye historian and Chairman Jean-Paul Tissot, chassis 800319 is confirmed as one of nine Worblaufen-bodied Delahayes known to exist. Early history is unknown, but it was likely sold to a Swiss owner. In the early 1990s it was owned by James Bandy of Oakdale, Pennsylvania — a past American soldier who fell in love with the Delahaye marque while based in France during WWII.

It was subsequently restored in the mid-to-late 1990s by Dragone Classic Motorcars for Mr. John McDonald. Today it presents in lovely condition with a well-preserved restoration in brilliant dark metallic blue with low-mounted Marchal headlamps, rear wheel spats, polished body side trim, and gorgeous ventilated wheel covers.

The lovely interior offers taupe-colored upholstery piped in blue, light tan carpets, and a woodgrain instrument panel. The OHV inline-six with triple carburetors and four-speed Cotal pre-select gearbox runs well. Acquired by the Grand Rapids Classics Auto Museum in the spring of 2024 — the first Delahaye welcomed into the collection.