1937 Delahaye 135 - "Atlantic"

Introduced in 1935, the Delahaye 135 established itself as one of France’s great sporting and grand touring chassis of the pre-war era. Its combination of performance and sophisticated engineering also provided an ideal foundation for some of the most celebrated coachwork of the period, with bodies created by the likes of Figoni et Falaschi, Chapron and Saoutchik.

Chassis 48147 dates from 1937 and spent its earlier life in Argentina, a country with a rich tradition of preserving, racing and developing important European machinery. It was there that the Delahaye evolved into the remarkable car presented today, receiving its hand-formed aluminium coupé coachwork by Argentine coachbuilder Rodolfo Iriarte.

Iriarte’s dramatic design draws clear inspiration from the great aerodynamic French coupés of the 1930s, most notably the Bugatti Aérolithe and Type 57 Atlantic. Its long bonnet, sweeping wings, enclosed rear wheels, teardrop cabin and distinctive centre spine create a wonderfully sculptural form, while the larger proportions and imposing Delahaye radiator give the car a presence and identity entirely its own. Appropriately, it has become known as the Delahaye 135 “Atlantic”.

Beneath the aluminium coachwork remains substantial genuine Delahaye machinery. The chassis incorporates original Delahaye longitudinal rails and the car is powered by a genuine Delahaye Type 103 straight-six engine, developed into a sporting specification with triple carburettors, six exhaust outlets and a modified camshaft. Genuine Delahaye components also remain within the steering, front suspension and braking systems.

Following its life in Argentina, chassis 48147 was acquired in 1996 by Ken Bolan, the renowned antiques and art dealer. Remarkably, it has therefore remained in the same British ownership for thirty years, a notably long period of custodianship for such an individual historic automobile. That provenance feels particularly appropriate for a car whose appeal extends beyond conventional motoring into the worlds of design, sculpture and craftsmanship.

Most recently, the car underwent a comprehensive restoration completed in 2024 by Radford Restorations in Windsor, bringing the Delahaye back to a high standard of presentation while preserving the character and individuality that define it.

The restored car was subsequently displayed at Heveningham Concours in 2024, where it also featured on Harry’s Garage as part of Harry Metcalfe’s film covering that year’s concours. In 2026, the Delahaye appeared at Concours des Légendes at Wilton House, further establishing the car within the British concours scene.

Today, chassis 48147 represents a fascinating meeting of two great traditions: the engineering and elegance of one of France’s most celebrated pre-war marques and the extraordinary coachbuilding craftsmanship that flourished around important European automobiles in South America. Iriarte’s Atlantic-inspired aluminium body transforms the Delahaye into a unique piece of automotive sculpture, while its sporting straight-six and underlying Delahaye mechanical character ensure that it remains a car to be driven and enjoyed.

With its genuine Delahaye chassis and mechanical components, evocative straight-six engine, spectacular Iriarte aluminium coachwork, recent Radford restoration and three decades in the same discerning British ownership, the Delahaye 135 “Atlantic” offers a rare combination of beauty, individuality, provenance and usability.

For the collector seeking something genuinely different from the established canon of pre-war greats, it represents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a unique coachbuilt Delahaye unlikely ever to be encountered alongside another example of itself. Contact us now for more information or to arrange a viewing.