ilario-il1801 - Delahaye 175S Cabriolet Saoutchik 1/18 | Ilario
ilario-il1801 - Model details for the Ilario 1/18 scale Delahaye 175S Cabriolet Saoutchik 1949 sn815023 - This is the first 1:18 scale model produced by Ilario. Very limited-edition models since 1984.
1/18 MODEL
Ilario CHIERA - Diecastsociety.com
2/5/20175 min read
This is the first 1:18 scale model produced by the French company Ilario. Ilario has been manufacturing very limited-edition models since 1984, but this is its very first 1:18 scale model. Given the superb quality of this model, collectors are sure to be delighted.
Since its founding in 1894, the French automaker Delahaye produced some of the most beautiful and high-performance cars. Its models were highly competitive in European racing, even securing first and second place at the 1937 24 Hours of Le Mans—beating the famous "Silver Arrows" from Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union. Unfortunately, post-war economic upheaval in France, combined with increased domestic and international competition, led to the company's closure in 1956.
However, before the company ceased operations, Delahaye produced remarkable coupés and sedans, with bodies crafted by renowned coachbuilders such as Portout, Figoni & Falaschi, and—as seen here—Jacques Saoutchik. The car in question is the 1949 Type 175 S.
This was the only Type 175 S bodied by Saoutchik. It featured the fluid lines then in vogue among automakers—notably the "Narwal" hood and grille, previously used by Figoni & Falaschi on an earlier Type 135. It was powered by a potent 165-hp, naturally aspirated inline-six engine mated to a Cotal pre-selector gearbox. The car has had several owners, the most famous being the English actress Diana Dors, considered one of the era's iconic "blonde bombshells." It has starred in numerous concours d'élégance events—and continues to do so—winning awards at Pebble Beach and Amelia Island since its restoration in 2007. It recently sold at auction for $3.3 million.
As noted, this is the first 1:18 scale model produced by Ilario. I have always loved this car, and as soon as the model was announced, I ordered it from my regular supplier, The Motorsport Collector, in the Chicago suburbs. This resin model is a closed-body version—save for the open cockpit—and is part of a limited edition of 80 units.
The model comes in a standard two-part presentation box, consisting of an outer sleeve enclosing a magnificent, substantial inner box. The lid of the inner box, featuring an alligator-skin finish, lifts to reveal the model. The model is permanently mounted on a solid wood base covered in leather, with a felt underside. A plaque on the box identifies it as an Ilario model, with the specific model and serial number (of the actual 1:1 car) engraved rather than printed. The Delahaye grille emblem is also reproduced on the plaque.
This model is simply breathtaking. Large in size (approximately 33 cm long), it faithfully reproduces the dimensions of an imposing car (the actual wheelbase is 295 cm). The paintwork is flawless: smooth, deep, and perfectly accurate in color when compared to photos of the original car. The absence of opening parts eliminates any issues with panel gaps. The fluid lines are beautifully highlighted by superb chrome detailing—perfectly executed and flush with the bodywork. The grille is splendid, featuring harmonious curves and topped with a tiny yet perfectly legible Delahaye badge. The chrome trim on the front fenders is topped by a white light that integrates seamlessly into the finish. At the rear, the chrome extends up to an elegant light with a red lens. As for the headlights, photos reveal their exceptional level of detail—featuring Marchal lenses and central yellow bulbs—once again demonstrating the meticulous attention to detail and impeccable build quality. The taillights also feature actual lenses rather than being merely painted on. The tires appear to be unmarked, though this hardly matters as they are concealed by the bodywork and barely visible. Nevertheless, a close look at the wheels reveals lovely spokes, and the brake drums are visible at the rear! The windshield and side windows are superbly reproduced, with a thickness that appears true to scale. The windshield wipers are among the finest I have ever seen and are perfectly executed. The metal window trim is also flawless: delicate and perfectly scaled. Even the mounting points for the convertible top are present, further highlighting the exceptional attention to detail found in this model.
Let's move on to the interior. It is absolutely breathtaking. The seats are upholstered in a material that resembles soft vinyl—or even leather, just like in the real car. The finish here is impeccable, offering a soft, realistic feel. The white inserts are perfectly positioned, as is the piping. The door panels are beautifully reproduced, featuring handles and window cranks of remarkable precision and delicacy. The stylized white bird emblem is superbly executed, complete with a magnificent chrome outline. The dashboard looks as though it was simply shrunk down to fit this model! The dials all feature glass lenses, with numbers that are perfectly legible! Even the clock on the glovebox door is perfectly replicated. The floor is covered in real fabric carpeting—an astonishing feat of scale accuracy! The piping even matches the original. The steering wheel is a true masterpiece: faithful to the original, with its four wire spokes rendered at an incredibly fine scale, it is perfectly reproduced with ideal proportions—unlike what one sometimes sees on other 1:18 models. The dashboard controls and gear shift knobs also perfectly replicate the car's genuine Lucite knobs. One could easily spend hours admiring the interior!
Overall, this model borders on perfection. The build quality—from the main structure down to the smallest details—reflects an obsessive attention to detail and precision. It has become my favorite model, and I believe it is well worth the asking price.
A remarkable model!
Thanks to the Diecast team for this great article about my model.
You can read the original article, with more photos and comments at the bottom of the page, here:
https://diecastsociety.com/review-ilario-1949-delahaye-saoutchik-bodied-type-175-s/
This miniature is no longer available.
ATTENTION The models of my manufacture are not toys.
They are craft models, created and made by hand, including many small pieces of resin, white metal, photo-etched or turned parts.
Models for adult collectors passionate about automotive history.
They are not suitable for children under 14 years.
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The logos and marks visible on the models are not advertisements.
They have been reproduced only to respect historical truth.
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