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Topic starter
14/07/2024 1:33 pm
This prewar Delahaye 165 V12 Cabriolet is by the Spanish maker Guiloy as part of their premium line. The coachwork on the chassis comes from studio of Jacques Saoutchik of Paris, France. I know this only it's badged on the door sill and tagged in the engine bay. It has a unique grill work that a couple of coachbuilders employed although I've never seen one sans bumpers. The nose shape is similar to other Saoutchik bodies but I've never found any picture of a similar 1:1. Despite its "premium" designation, Guiloy models always leave a bit to be desired in fit, finish, parts count and veracity. It's not the first time that I've encountered a variant body that I could find no record of. The model is so 'Plain Jane' and lacking of Saoutchik's styling cues and trim that I decided (what the hell) to finish it "in the style of...". I added chrome trim extending from the nose to the windscreen supports as well as the seam of the rear pontoon fenders. I couldn't resist adding the de regueur swoopy rocker trim from the front spat and wrapping around the rear... fins? To give the trim some bulk I used a thick metal tape that simulated stainless steel and burnished it in and polished. On the seat upholstery, I simulated distressed burgundy leather. The seat actually folds forward to reveal a storage area with the Delahaye logo. With some other washes and paint touches, I called it... finished. It was actually a technique practice that I used on my original plan to jazz up a phantom Art-Deco-esque 1/18 Mattel model that was such a cool design that was based and elaborated from one of their little Hot Wheels designs. if I find those pics, I'll put them up.
14/07/2024 3:25 pm
Rich, I think your additions are a great improvement as there is something odd about the original form. I enclose a photograph of the original from website https://www.ultimatecarpage.com/gallery/Delahaye-Saoutchik-99596.html but there is no information other than its being by Saoutchik. Classic Car tells us that only 3 or 4 165s were produced https://www.classicandsportscar.com/guides/classic-cars-a-to-z/delahaye-t165 of which the two examples of the 'World Fair' model were produced by Figoni Et Falaschi. The thing that intrigues me most is this tripartite grille is very much a 1940s idiom. Two Henri Chapron coupes were produced with it during the war and only saw the light of day in 1945 despite their being commonly labelled as 1938 (Richard Adatto 'From Passion To Perfection gives a good history). The earliest of this grille style I have found has been the 1940 first ever Ferrari and possibly a 1939 Alfa. So I am tempted to think your car was just pre-war or possibly during the war (a contentious suggestion I know) and thus may have been subject to limited available materials for trim?
David Green and Rich Sufficool reacted
Topic starter
14/07/2024 5:11 pm
@charles-rockett WOW!!! You found a picture. You're right about that tripartite grill. It's actually on a postwar example. I think it was a Chapron. Like I said, the body is so bereft of trim as well tutone paint scheme that if it wasn't badged a Saoutchik, I would have guessed Chapron or Franay.
David Green and Charles Rockett reacted
15/07/2024 7:43 am
Here is 1947 Delahaye 175 Saoutchik Cabriolet--Chassis 815004 which has the same protrudent front fender covers - but more gently moulded than on your 165. This may help put your earlier chasis into a more precise timeline. The owner was clearly an habitue of the concours curcuit and clearly a one for the ladies!
Rich Sufficool reacted
Topic starter
15/07/2024 9:32 am
@charles-rockett Mine is the "Bumper Delete" model I guess. LOL
David Green and Charles Rockett reacted
15/07/2024 9:38 am
@rich-sufficool With your inspired chrome additions who needs bumpers? I post these images only because your model has sent me down a 1940s rabbit warren.
David Green reacted