1912 Delahaye Type 32L Limousine

1912 Delahaye Type 32L Limousine

From its beginnings in the world of automobiles, from 1894, Delahaye was making robust and efficient cars. These cars were marked by the personality of the technical director, Charles Weiffenbach, who was steering the company from the beginning of the century and for the next 50 years, while Emile Delahaye, who gave his name to the brand, actually retired in 1901. Delahaye was already interested in commercial vehicles that gave financial equilibrium to the company. As it often happens at that time, Delahaye offered several models with many variations including those of chassis lengths. The Type 32, introduced at the Paris Salon of 1907, is one. A homogeneous model with a four-cylinder powering it, the Type 32 become the workhorse of the brand and continued to be made until 1913. It could be equipped with a variety of body styles.

This beautiful saloon version of the Delahaye Type 32 was ordered by Viscount Louis de Pontbriand, who lived in Pen-ar-Vern, Morlaix in Finistère, from the Garage Industriel Etablissements Louis Bonaventure in Flers de l'Orne, as shown on the owner's plaque on the dashboard. It has a 1908 chassis and a body dating from 1912/1913. It is presented in a state possibly corresponding to an earlier restoration, with its original body having the contour and proportions typical of that era. Painted a shade of blue with black roof, it has its seats upholstered in grey cloth. The car in front is adorned with small lanterns and a windshield and at the rear, oval windows gives it an undeniably chic look. This car demonstrates beautifully the idea of a luxury car from Late 19th century.

Descriptions & pictures by artcurial & delahayeclub & flickr