1952 Delahaye Type 235 Cabriolet

This 1952 Delahaye 235 MS Cabriolet with coachwork by Henri Chapron was on display at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where Delahaye was the featured marque. There were 85 examples of the 235 constructed, including all body types, one prototype, and coachbuilders.

The 235 was a modern vehicle introduced in 1951, just after the close of World War II. It was powered by a 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine capable of producing just over 150 horsepower and could reach speeds of 100 mph, or more. The 235 replaced the 135 and was Delahaye's only model offered for sale during this time.

Delahaye produced the rolling chassis and left the creation of the bodies up to coachbuilders, such as Letourneur & Marchand, Chapron, Ghia, and Vanden Plas. The Chapron-bodied cars had wide, oval grilles flanked by high-mounted headlamps with round parking lights just below the headlamps. Some had two-tone paint schemes, which made the front and rear fenders slightly different.

The company was purchased by Hotchkiss in 1954, and the Delahaye automobile production ceased. Delahaye had also had a successful line of utility vehicles and trucks, which continued to be produced until 1956.

Part of the demise of the Delahaye marque was the increase in taxes and the cost of the vehicles.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2007