1947 Delahaye Type 135 M

Delahaye emerged from WWII with enthusiasm to return to the brilliant designs and elegantly sculpted works of art of the 1920s and 1930s. The Model 135 was designed by young engineer Jean Francois, and produced from 1935 until 1954 in many different body styles. The 135 signified Delahaye's decision to build sportier cars.

The 135 features independent, leaf-sprung front suspension, a live rear axle, and cable-operated Bendix brakes. 17-inch spoked wheels were also standard. Transmission is a four-speed Cotal pre-selector. The low-slung chassis of the 135 was an excellent candidate for coachbuilders to create elegant masterpieces.

The Delahaye 135 was, without doubt, the most prestigious of all the celebrated French car models. Offering no revolutionary technical innovations, the 135 owed its success and its justified reputation to the great durability of its components. Because it was so sturdily made, the 135 proved itself superior more for endurance than for pure speed during its 15 years in European racing. A 135 won the LeMans 24 Hours in 1938, averaging over 82 mph with the team of Chaboud and Tremoulet at the wheel.

This is a one-off coupe by Henri Chapron on a 1947 Delahaye 135M competition chassis. The car is equipped with triple carburetors, heavy-duty suspension and wheels, and a Cotal four-speed electronic transmission. The 3.2-liter overhead valve straight-six with three Solex carburetors produces 115 horsepower; it was derived from one of Delahaye's truck engines. Henri Chapron's widow supplied the current owner with the factory build sheets for this example to assist in restoration to exact factory specifications.