1947 Delahaye Type 135 M Narval Roadster

The Series 135 was first presented at the 1934 Paris Salon. Soon after, Delahaye took over French manufacturing Delage, thus inheriting many of that marque's wealthy clients who demanded both performance and elegance in an automobile. The agile chassis, combined with a 3.5-liter / 130 horsepower six-cylinder engine topped with triple-Solex downdraft carburetors and backed by a Cotal 4-speed electric-shift transmission, made for a wonderfully competitive road and racing car. A total of 2,592 were produced from 1935-1952 including 1,115 built post-World War II.

This car is one of a handful of 'narwhal' roadsters built by Figoni et Falaschi. It is so named as the nose-piece reminiscent of the bump on a narwhal's snout. The car was built and shown at the contemporary Concours d'Elegance in France at the Palais de Chaillot and Bois de Boulogne in 1947. Inside, the car retains its original interior outfitted by the Paris firm of Hermes, whose logo is fitted in the steering wheel center hub. Other than a repaint in the 1950s the car has never been restored.

Delahaye emerged from The Great Depression and World War II with an eagerness to return to the brilliant designs and elegantly sculptured works of art of the 1920s and 1930s. The low-slung chassis of the 135 was an excellent candidate for coachbuilders to form elegant bodies and create their masterpieces. The 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine with three Solex carburetors produced an impressive amount of horsepower, ranging from 95 to 115 hp. As time progressed, the engine capacity increased and more horsepower was tweaked from the engine. The competition engine had a high compression head and increased horsepower to over 150.

This Delahey 135 has custom coachwork by Figoni & Falaschi. This particular design was called the 'Narval' which was named after an Artic whale with a unicorn. The name is suitable, as this vehicle has a nose that extends over the front grille. It is finished in a coupe configuration with a convertible top. It was unveiled to the public at the 1948 Barcelona Show.

This car was shown at the 1987 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it was awarded a Best in Class. It returned to the concours in 2006 where it sat amongst other Delahaye's, the featured marque.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2007