How to identify a surefire Best of Show winner? Let’s look at the checklist: One of the most exclusive versions sold? Check. One of three known to survive? Check. Swoopy coachwork from a company with a hard-to-pronounce name? Also check. (Of course, previous Best of Show awards help, too.)
While any Delahaye Type 135 can steal the show, this example–chassis No. 47242–is an exceptionally rare Competition Court model, not appearing in any official Delahaye literature and only available to select customers, according to the listing.
Of the 30 Competition Courts built from 1935 to 1937, this one is billed as one of three surviving examples of just six short-wheelbase coupes built by Figoni et Falaschi in 1936.
Power comes from a 3557cc inline-six engine backed by a four-speed competition gearbox that's mounted inside a steel body fitted with an aluminum bonnet, trunk lid, fenders, doors and bumpers. Other notable features include a lower-mounted engine, an oil cooler placed below the radiator and a racing-style fuel tank with two fillers.
Previous awards? In addition to winning Best of Show at the 2014 Cobble Beach Concours d'Elegance, 2003 Concours d'Elegance of Texas and 2003 Celebration of Automobiles, this Type 135 won People's Choice at the 2014 Cobble Beach Concours d'Elegance as well as a class award at the 2001 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Find this 1936 Delahaye Type 135 Competition Court Teardrop Coupe for auction from Mecum on January 17.
