By Colin Wood
Sep 19, 2022
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Delahaye,
Concours,
Concours d'Elegance,
Hagerty,
Detroit Concours d’Elegance,
Detroit
Photograph Courtesy Hagerty
Building upon the success of the Concours d’Elegance of America, the inaugural Detroit Concours d’Elegance selected a 1937 Delahaye 135M Cabriolet by Chapron as the winner of Best in Show:
The 135 was first presented at the 1934 Paris Salon. Just after its introduction, Delahaye merged with French manufacturer Delage, inheriting many of the marque’s wealthy clients who demanded both performance and elegance in an automobile. The agile chassis, combined with a triple-Solex downdraft carburetor-equipped 120hp, 3.5-liter, six-cylinder engine backed up by a Cotal 4-speed electric shift transmission, made for a wonderfully competitive road and racing car. A total of 2,592 were produced from 1935-1952 including 1,115 built post-WWII. Competition-spec engines include, among other modifications, a higher compression cylinder head — equally at home on the racetrack or on the boulevard. According to the owner, Chassis No. 47538 sports a unique laid-back grille, lower fender profile and interior doors with wood surrounds. The coachwork is by Henri Chapron of Paris.
Held at the Detroit Institute of Arts, September 16-18, the weekend festivities saw some 5000 attendees view over 300 cars on display–200 at Saturday’s Cars & Community and 120 on concours Sunday. The event also saw some $55,000 pledged to local charities.
Visit detroitconcours.com for the full list of class winners.
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