1953 Delahaye 135M

The Great Depression was a difficult time and it forced Delage to liquidate its assets in 1935. The company was acquired by Delage dealer Walter Watney who recognized that design, development, engineering, and manufacturing were expensive. So he joined with Delahaye with the agreement that the name 'Delage' would still be placed on its vehicles.

Beginning with the 135 M engine, engineers along with Louis Delage began work on a new eight-cylinder inline engine. The result of their work powered the D8 120, the first new product offered after the Delahaye and Delage union.

The Type 135 had an independent, leaf-sprung front suspension, with a live rear axle. There were cable-operated Bendix brakes and the transmission was either a partially synchronized four-speed manual or four-speed Cotal pre-selector transmission. Other standard features included 17-inch spoked wheels.

The Delahaye Type 135 made its introduction in Paris in 1935 and remained in production until 1954. It had a 3557cc overhead valve six-cylinder engine which was placed in a new underslung chassis, similar to the one used in the prior Type 138. In competition, the Type 135 was impressive, sweeping the top six places at Marseilles in 1936 and taking second at LeMans in 1937, followed by first, second, and fourth there the following year. Prince Bira won the 1938 Donington 12-Hour Sports Car Race in Prince Chula's example and went on to take victory in Brooklands' 'fastest road car in England' race.

When World War II came to a close, the 135M was resurrected with power being supplied from a 3.6-liter engine. Unfortunately, the company was in financial difficulty, partly due to the French government's taxation policies, which penalized cars of over 3.0 liters. In 1954, the company was taken over by Hotchkiss.

As the company had no in-house coachworks, all its chassis were clothed by independent coachbuilders.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2019