According to a history report by marque expert Jean-Paul Tissot, chassis number 800322 is one of no more than 10 cabriolets built by Franay on the Delahaye Type 135 chassis, in this case, the uprated triple-carbureted 135 M version of the celebrated model. Following factory completion in late 1946, the rolling chassis was dispatched to Franay’s workshop and clothed in sporty cabriolet coachwork with rear-hinged doors, semi-recessed bullet headlamps, Art Deco-styled hood louvers, enclosed rear fenders with decorative chrome scrolls, and a unique radiator mascot.

Finished in cream paint and equipped with Dunlop wheels, the Delahaye was first publicly seen at the Concours d’Elegance Trocadéro in Paris, where it was presented by 23-year-old French film actress Suzy Carrier. The 135 M was next sold in March 1948 to a resident of the Seine Department, and a period photo suggests the wheels were then changed to Rudge wire wheels.

After being reregistered in February 1955 to Anciens Etablissements Thomas of Paris, the Delahaye was acquired in November 1967 by Eric Callegari, after which the unusual radiator mascot was removed to comply with the French highway code. The 135 M remained in the same family for many years until being offered at the Poulain-Le Fur Sotheby’s sale in June 2000. Almost three years later the cabriolet was sold to a Malta-based collector who opted to replace the original cream color with a new finish in dark green, and the car later passed to an enthusiast in Spain.

In 2012 the Delahaye was purchased by the consignor, the proprietor of the Guild of Automotive Restorers in Innisfil, Ontario, Canada, which has performed numerous award-winning restorations, and many Delahaye refurbishments. The Guild is also the home of the popular television show Restoration Garage, where the 135 M was prominently featured during four episodes of restoration work. As corroborated by restoration photos on file, the Guild performed a comprehensive mechanical refurbishment while expertly refinishing the coachwork in Mulberry with red accents and trimming the interior in complementary red leather.

Currently displaying just 24 post-restoration kilometers on the odometer, this highly authentic Delahaye is a remarkable testament to the immediate post-war French luxury segment, epitomized by fascinating features like the Art Deco-styled dash console and translucent steering wheel. Indicative of its significance, the cabriolet is featured in Jean-Paul Tissot’s marque book, Delahaye, la Belle Carrosserie Française. Ideal for presentation at major concours d’elegance or enjoyment on vintage touring events, the rare Franay-bodied 135 M cabriolet would make an exquisite addition to any discriminating collection.