This weekend all around the Monterey Peninsula, hundreds of collector cars will cross the block at over half a dozen different auctions. One of the biggest sales is the RM Auctions Sports & Classics of Monterey held in downtown Monterey at the Portola Plaza hotel, which is spread over three evenings. While browsing through the sizable catalog, our eye was caught by this Delahaye 175 S Saoutchik Roadster, which we had already seen three years ago at Pebble Beach. Built in 1949 it is one of the final representatives of the great French custom coach-building era. Reportedly inspired by the Lockheed Constellation airliner, the body's design ranks among Jacques Saoutchik's most extravagant. Unlike most earlier Delahaye chassis, the Type 175 was quite sophisticated, combing a large six cylinder engine and all-round independent suspension. Fitted with three Solex carburettors, the new for 1948 engine produced a hefty 165 bhp. Unfortunately the demand for more modest vehicles was much higher at the time and only 51 examples were built. The spectacular Saoutchik Roadster was one of them and was originally ordered by Sir John Gaul. He showed the car at contemporary concours d'elegance with great success before selling it to British film star Diana Dors. The car eventually ended up in the United States where it was extensively and subsequently restored to its original condition. As it did in period, the 175 S starred again at various concours, including Pebble Beach where it clinched a class award. And now it will be offered in Monterey on Saturday the 14th with a startling estimate of $4-6 million.

Enjoy the links:

1947 - 1951 Delahaye 175 S Saoutchik Roadster - Images, Specifications and Information