Joseph Figoni used to be quite an interesting builder, as his approach defined his fluid forms. Instead of drawing the car he was going to build, he would construct a metal outline of the bodywork on the frame, adjusting it until it looked just right. Then he’d call in the draughtsmen. Even when he began using clay models, technical drawings came last.
“We really were true couturiers of automotive coachwork, dressing and undressing a chassis one, two, and three times and
Figoni et Falaschi came to the public’s attention through their Delahaye designs, when the Model 135 was introduced at the 1936 Paris Salon. It was powered by a 3.5-liter six-cylinder hemi-head engine, with triple carburettors that provided up ot 140 horsepower.
This particular model, chassis no. 60158, was commissioned in March 1939 by a Monsieur Jeantet, as World War II loomed. He ordered the Grand Sport in vibrant Andalouse red, with door handles integrated into chrome spears, curving down the side of the car, and a large Plexiglas rear window.
Over the course of two years, 60158 was brought down to its bare chassis and received a complete mechanical overhaul. From the engine to the Cotal gearbox, every element was tended to with supreme precision. The body was restored, the interior was completely removed and readied for re-trimming, and a complete photographic record was maintained of the entire process.
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