Delahaye 135 Competition Short - Chassis Nº47247 was the central exhibit on the Delahaye stand at the October 1936 Paris Salon, being the first of eleven such Figoni at Falaschi ‘Paris Salon’ models created, of which five are now known to survive: three on short chassis.
Though shown at the Olympia, (London) car fair shortly afterwards, this car was purchased by the Aga Khan during the Paris Salon, who had it returned to the Figoni workshop to have its 'Tea-Pink’ coachwork repainted to a more sober black with orange coach-lining, picking out the embossed spinning motif on the fenders’ sides. Joseph Figoni was always keen to create new and unusual colours and colour combinations for his exhibit models and this car is variously described as being Cream with 'Tea-Pink’ and also Tangerine with 'Tea-Pink’, raising the question, which is the 'Tea-Pink’ ? On the basis of having read for years, of it being Cream with 'Tea-Pink’ as well as drawing upon my own, B.A. studies in die and colour - and on the basis that the President of Dominican Republic’s Pegasso Z102, which used to be referred to as the ‘Cupola de Thé’ - and was originally rendered in this colour, rather than its later cadmium yellow - I'm personally inclined towards the former. Whilst others may think it the latter, or even unimportant!
The acclaimed automotive artist Geo Ham claimed credit for the body design and the case went to court, where Paris court documents dated 3rd. February 1937 finally dismissed Ham’s claim as being unfounded.
Following World War II the car was sold to a French buyer who had it re-bodied as an open, two passanger roadster by Vignale, with the original body sadly, being discarded. The Vignale car remained in the south of France until purchased in the 1970s by New Jersey dealer, Basil Shandam and was shipped to the United States. In the early 1980s. He in turn sold the car to Jim Hull who shipped the chassis and engine to the West Coast - again, sadly discarding the Vignale body (it would be interesting to see an image of that car) - where it has been exhibited as a rolling chassis in the Mullin Collection.
(As ever, any additional info. and / or corrections would be much appreciated).
Information with recognition to Richard Adatto.
Delahaye 135 competition short chassis 1936 1/43 scale resin by Provence Miniatures.
Did you paint it in Cream with 'Tea-Pink’, or is this a factory issue? Great write-up, but I have no degree in colour so am unsure if your model is tea- pink or orange! 😮
@karl This is a stock Provence Miniatures model. I can barely stick a windscreen wiper back on, let alone execute fine paintwork like this. I believe it must be close to the original car. Prior to synthetic dies, all natural materials were used to create die colours, tea being one. In concentration it gives an orangey pink hue. Onion skins come closer to this particular colour, however 'Onion Pink' has less of the salesman's panache about it.
Many thanks for your 135 additions. The red and cream example, I believe is Chassis 48666 of 1937. It features largely in Richard Adatto's 'From Passion To Perfection'. I took notes on various cars which I want to post here but unfortunately - despite its fascinating story - I did no include this one as I've always been disappointed that Spark left-off the rear bumper! It is though, perhaps the most attractive.
