A ‘million-franc’ Delahaye?

Peter Mullin, founder of the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, beside his 1937 Delahaye 145 race car.

Peter Mullin, founder of the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, beside his 1937 Delahaye 145 race car.

(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Nov. 1, 2015 5:35 PM PT

1937 Delahaye 145

A 1937 Delahaye 145 race car won a 1 million franc prize from the French government and Automobile Club of France for setting a world speed record.

(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

1937 Delahaye 145

The interior of the 1937 Delahaye 145.

(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

1937 Delahaye 145

Leather straps secure the hood on Peter Mullin’s 1937 Delahaye 145.

(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

1937 Delahaye 145

Rivets hold the body of the 1937 Delahaye 145 together.

(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

1937 Delahaye 145

A Delahaye 145 driven by Rick Eberst navigates the back roads of Monterey, Calif. Los Angeles Times staff writer Charles Fleming is his passenger.

(Don Kelsen / Los Angeles Times)

1937 Delahaye 145

The grill of the Delahaye 145.

(Don Kelsen / Los Angeles Times)

1937 Delahaye 145

Only four of the 1937 Delahaye 145s were built.

(Don Kelsen / Los Angeles Times)

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