1936
Delahaye 135 Competition
Disappearing Top Convertible
History
From its inception, this car has a clear and well-documented history...
a provenance without ambiguity or confusion. Records can be made
available, from the original Delahaye factory 'build' order, through
registration information. The documented
chain of ownership is uninterrupted.
Paris, France, 1935
Chassis # 46864 with Engine No. 46864 ordered from
Delahaye by M. Wolf, a wealthy Parisian. Delivered in 1936, with unique
disappearing-top Figoni et Falashi coachwork (Figoni # 581).
1951
The car was sold by Wolf to Jacques Persin of Paris in 1951. This is from official Prefecture de Police
records, registration # 5759T75. Persin was Director General of Facel Cars.
1953
Persin sold it to Peter Gagola on July 18, 1953. It is believed
Gagola was an American living in Paris (at Hotel California on Rue de Beri) and an employee of
Persin. It is believed he
brought the car to America, or that it was imported directly from France by its next owner, Dr. Earle M.
Heath of Pittsburgh, PA in the United States.
In the United States
Dr. Earle M. Heath, a very well-regarded collector and importer of important cars in Pittsburgh, PA.
William E. 'Chip' Conner, who commissioned an early 1990s restoration at Hill & Vaughn, Los Angeles.
Ken and Ann Smith, who undertook further restoration at Alan Taylor
Restoration, Escondido, California.
A beautiful and historically significant
automobile, complete in all details.
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