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After the war Delahaye continued to make cars largely based on their prewar cars. The Type 175 S was released in 1948 alongside similar chassis made with a longer wheelbase.

Most models were styled at the factory by Philippe Charbonneaux and used a seven bearing 4.5 liter six-cylinder with a DeDion-Type rear axle. Fitted with competition bodywork, the 175 S competed only briefly and was unsuccessful during its initial year.

An example bodied by Motto competed in the 1950 Carrera Panamerica and finished 12th. The same car was raced at the 1951 Monte Carlo rally, finishing first for drivers Jean Trevoux and Roger Crovetto which was also the last appearance of the 175.

Chassis

815038-Offered by Gooding & Company as a private treaty sale. Described as "Intended for display at the 1950 Paris Salon and New York Auto Show, this stylish Delahaye 175 Sport Cabriolet was specially ordered as a left hand drive two-seater, with unique cabriolet coachwork by Henri Chapron. Looking very much the part of a show car, the short 175 chassis is clothed in a rakish cabriolet body, with beautifully integrated lines and contrasting paint sitting atop delicate Rudge wire wheels. While the early French ownership of this Delahaye remains unknown, the dramatic car reappeared in America in 1959 and has remained in the United States since. During the next half century, it was a fixture in two prominent collections, spending decades in each, and it has most recently resided in a renowned California collection. The handsome Chapron coachwork of this Delahaye was refinished approximately 20 years ago in a deep burnt red with claret highlights on the front and rear fenders. The striking chrome beltline flashes and hood trim, as well as exquisite details such as a louvered hood, further highlight the graceful lines of the car.

Inside, a handsome painted burl walnut faux-finish accentuates the dashboard, which is complete with proper O.S. gauges, numerous switches and a correct Motorola radio set. The soft tan leather panels are highlighted with beautifully finished hardwood caps, and the supple medium tan leather seats provide an inviting and comfortable proposition for extensive touring. The complimentary-colored cabriolet tan top fits snuggly, or may be folded flush with the rear deck, delivering a vast aesthetic improvement over the rather ungainly tops fitted with side irons that were most often installed on these cars. Overall, the car remains in presentable condition throughout and shows a slight patina in accordance with its older restoration."

Chassis & Sales

1949 Delahaye Type 175 Coupe de Ville 815044 - sold for $440,000 Today, many of the Saoutchik and Figoni & Falaschi-bodied cars that survive were, at some time, in a state of severe disrepair and have been restored in a way that has greatly compromised their integrity. However, this Delahaye has always been a known quantity and upon inspection, one can catch a glimpse of the nature of these fabulous coachbuilt creations. When new, these cars were hand-built and often constructed in haste to appease a demand... more
Gallery: 2010 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction

1948 Delahaye 175S Coupé de Ville Aerodynamic Body 815001 - sold for €153,632 The sole example built by Figoni et Falaschi. One of just 10 left-hand drive 175S chassis produced. First in Class and Best French Car at Pebble Beach, 1988. Offered from the John M. O’Quinn Collection; partially restored. At the time of writing, the history of this singular Figoni et Falaschi Coupé de Ville is unknown following its debut at the 1948 Paris Salon. In the 1980s, it was completely restored, and in 1988 it was shown at the Pebb... more
Gallery: 2010 Automobiles of London by RM Auctions

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