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Chassis:
This is the sixth of eight standard length 135 chassis equipped with the Figoni & Falaschi Cabriolet body in the style of the 1936 Auto Salon show car. It was bought new by French businessman Casimir Jourde, who was an old friend and loyal customer of Joseph Figoni. Upon completion, the Delahaye 135M was shipped to India where Jourde conducted a fair share of his business. Finished in red, the striking machine understandably caused quite a stir upon arrival and was quickly nicknamed the 'Star of India.' Jourde only briefly owned the car as it was soon after arrival acquired by Prince de Barae Mukarran Jah.
The Indian prince used the car for many years but eventually decided to sell it. Now an old, second hand vehicle, the Star of India was stored for many years on wooden blocks in a shed in Jodhpur. Fortunately, the Figoni & Falaschi was eventually brought out of hiding during the 1980s by a British enthusiast. He had the car completely restored and showed it with considerable success at events on both sides of the Atlantic. After the 1992 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, it was acquired by its current custodian. The Star of India was restored once more, removing some of the modifications made throughout its eventful life. One of three survivors of the eight built, chassis 49150 is today on display in the Mullin Automotive Museum.
At one of its rare outings, the Star of India was awarded 'Best of Show' in the inaugural Chantilly Arts & Elegance in September of 2014.
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135M Figoni & Falaschi Cabriolet
