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Jospeh Figoni became best known for some of his Delahaye designs, and this flamboyant coupe is one of the very first he penned for the marque. Built on a shortened chassis, known as the Competition Court, this coupe came during the onset of French streamlined styling and is real departure from earlier designs.

Besides the aerodynamic shape, this car has distinct features such all-enclosed fenders that required a wide clearance for the turning wheels and four fully hidden front lights. To break up the side skirts, a belt line runs along the fenders that makes the car look bulbous but doesn't subtract from the overall elegance. Particularly striking is the accent dash that runs from the grille, over the hood and hugs the rear fender.

Unique features of the interior include a plush ostrich skin uphostery, a sliding metal sunroof and a front windshield that can wind open for ventilation.

The coupe was initially ordered by industrialist Mr.Jeancart of Paris who would become famous for buying the first few Talbot Teardrops built by the same coachbuilders. The Teardrops followed shortly after this car and borrowed its fastback profile with split rear windows.

Jeancart won the 'Grand Prix' trophy at the Cannes Concours d'Elegance with this car, but eventually sold it. The next major change came sometime around 1950 when the engine was replaced and it changed hands several times with the original engine in a crate. A major restoration was performed by Hill & Vaughn just before the 1981 Pebble Beach Concours where the car appeared in triple-tone blue hues and won first in class.

It was then in the Blackhawk collection before being bought by the Patterson Collection and restored once again with a black paintjob and finally mated to its original engine. It debuted like this at the Meadowbrook Concours, and later at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours.

Bibliography

Adatto, Richard and Diana Meredith. Delahaye Styling and Design. Dalton Watson Fine books. 2005.

Dorizon, Peigney and JP Dauliac. Delahaye-Le Grande Livre. Paris Editions EPA. 1995.

Renou, Michel. Delahaye-Tout l'historie. Paris Editions EPA. 1994.