Lot 5131

Auburn Fall 2017

2003 Delahaye

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$181,500 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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  • Built & painted by Browns Metal Mods over a four year period
  • Incorporates the finest design elements of the French Art Deco movement
  • Modern chassis and engine with a Ford 302 V-8 and C4 transmission
Addendum: Please note this vehicle is titled as a 2003 Speedster

With sweeping compound curves, nary a straight line anywhere, and featuring the highest quality materials available, the iconic Art Deco automobiles built in 1930s France are easily the most beautiful cars ever made. They are also exceptionally rare, with total production numbers for some of the most storied examples measured in the single digits. There aren’t enough to go around and those that own them are highly unlikely to sell. In short, these hand-built phenomenons simply don’t often change hands at any price.

For the enthusiast who wants to experience ownership of such an iconic design, options are limited to either finding one for sale and then writing an eight figure check or building a car inspired by those incredible automobiles. The car offered here, the 2003 Delahaye USA Boattail Speedster, is a fine example of the latter.

This work of automotive sculpture combines several of the finest features of French Art Deco masterpieces into a single stunning expression of creativity. The fiberglass body is designed by the legendary Chip Foose who drew inspiration from the 1935 Delahaye Type 135 by Figoni et Falaschi and the ultra-rare 1937 Bugatti Type 57. Further accentuating the design is a stunning red over black livery that makes the car look even longer than it is. The car features a black leather interior with wool carpets & a removable fabric soft top.

This sweeping masterwork rides on a 127 inch wheelbase chassis and offers independent front suspension, a nine inch Ford rear, power disc brakes, power steering and adjustable air shocks. Powering the car is a 302 cubic inch Ford V-8 backed by a C4 automatic transmission. Sparingly driven, this unique 2003 Delahaye USA Boattail Speedster is ready to turn heads wherever it goes.