1949 Delahaye 175 S Convertible
French coachbuilders created some of their most dramatic postwar designs on this limited-production chassis, with just 51 examples built between 1948 and 1951.
Delahaye’s Type 175 featured an advanced chassis with partially unitary construction and generous proportions that allowed firms like Saoutchik, Franay (example shown), and Chapron to craft sweeping convertibles and coupes. These hand-built bodies typically cost around 1.3 million French francs (around $3,200 at the time) for the coachwork alone.
The 175 S designation indicated the higher-performance specification, identified by three Solex downdraft carburetors feeding the 4.5-liter (272 cubic inch) overhead-valve inline-six. This configuration produced approximately 165 horsepower compared to the standard single-carburetor version’s 125 horsepower. Most examples built were to this S specification.
A four-speed Cotal electro-mechanical preselector transmission sent power to a De Dion rear axle, while Dubonnet independent front suspension with coil springs provided refined handling. Left-hand drive was offered for the first time on a Delahaye model, reflecting the company’s growing focus on export markets, particularly the United States.
The Type 175 evolved from a large-chassis design originally intended for debut at the October 1939 Paris Auto Salon, but the show’s cancellation due to the impending war and the death of chief engineer Jean François in 1944 delayed its introduction until after the conflict.
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