This is the 1936 "Talk of Paris" car, the beginning of the famed Figoni Streamlined Teardrop Period, an objet d'art
Figoni streamlined design one of one (piece unique). Figoni design #581.
One of the most highly awarded cars in the world....Best of Show, Most Elegant, Best Paint, Best Pre-War, People's Choice, etc.
Classic Car Club of America (CCCA), First, perfect 100-points at every Grand Classic shown over twenty years. Senior Premier level.
One of a very limited number of Figoni Streamlined Competition cars remaining in existence and rarely available
First of the Figoni Streamlined Competition Convertibles with Figoni-patented Disappearing Top and folding windshield
Complete tool kit, correct French jack, all in concours condition
Piece Unique, The only car of this design
All matching numbers throughout, verified by Club Delahaye and Figoni records
Completely authenticated by Club Delahaye France, extensive provenance, history book, build sheet, etc. that will accompany the car upon sale.
Original Figoni Body #581
Original Engine & Chassis #46864
All owners known from new
Consistently judged to be among the very best...Over 25 Best of Show Awards
Copy of original build sheet & Owner's Manual (English Version)
This 1936 135 Competition Disappearing Top Convertible is notable for many reasons, including its streamlined flowing objet d'art design by Joseph Figoni #581, with the Figoni et Falaschi patented (795.769) disappearing top, pioneered on this car (copy in car history book). It was specially ordered when new to be equally at home on a boulevard... or on a racetrack. It has a racing engine, gearbox and chassis. It is restored to 100-point level for Concours d'Elegance competition, and is the winner of numerous prestigious concours awards. But most importantly, as the premier example of 1930s French coachbuilding, this beautiful automobile can be seen and valued as fine art, with all the implications for further appreciation that the fine art market commands. Mobile art; “A true movable feast for the eyes.”
“The chassis 46864 is correct in all respects”
-- Club Delahaye France Archives
Rarely do competitive racing chassis and engine and imaginative aerodynamic coachwork come together in the same car. This was Figoni et Falaschi's signature style applied to a convertible... the new flowing streamlined coachwork for which Figoni-Falaschi would become internationally famous. It most dramatically illustrates Figoni’s famed streamlined creations, in this case for a wealthy Parisian named Wolf, a personal friend of Figoni’s. Wolf could afford the best of the best, so he challenged Delahaye and Figoni to create a car with elegant line, fine et elancée, with the fast and reliable Competition 3.5 liter six-cylinder engine, and the competition chassis... bearing in mind his intent to race the car and enter in rallies, as well as concours events and various showings for Figoni.
“This is one of the most elegant creations of Joseph Figoni
and one of the most important Delahaye cars.”
-- Club Delahaye France Archives
This Delahaye 135 Competition Convertible has been authenticated by Club Delahaye France, and Figoni records, as the original body (Figoni # 581) and chassis (Delahaye # 46864) with all pertinent numbers on the car matching the original Figoni and Delahaye records.
You'll appreciate the gorgeous interior's sparkling jewel-like engine-turned dashboard, soft and supple light gray (gris) quill ostrich leather seats and door panels, piped in dark blue leather. The light-colored upholstery is a perfect complement for the stunning Bleu Foncé exterior and works perfectly with the turned pattern dash and beautiful wood accents. Carpets are dark blue as is the soft top and trunk lining. There are so many small touches that make this car unique -- like the upswept curve at the center base of the folding windshield, a theme picked up on the polished wood door panels, and on the upholstery. And, the car also has a set of matching fitted luggage as per the original build sheet. The luggage is finished in reverse colors of dark blue (bleu foncé) quill ostrich with gray (gris) edging and handles. The entire ensemble of internationally competitive streamlined teardrop wind-cheating luxury coachwork is simply breathtaking.
Refined meticulously detailed elegance and streamlined design combine masterfully with competition engine and chassis in this piece unique objet d’art, consistently judged to be one of Joseph Figoni’s finest creations. Show, tour or simply stare at her; a visual feast; to be savored and enjoyed as both movable art and a solid investment.
