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1938 Delahaye Type 135 Cabriolet

Delahayes have always been remarkable automobiles. They are interesting, quick, responsive, and very often astonishing to look at. Emile Delahaye began building rear-engined, belt-driven cars in 1894. Introduced at the 1935 Paris Salon, the Type 135 was a delight with its spirited and lively chassis, independent front suspension, light steering, and buttery-smooth Cotal electromagnetic gearbox. In racing form, the 135 Series was a fierce competitor, taking the first six places at the 1936 Marseilles race, a second at Le Mans in 1937, and first, second, and fourth place at Le Mans in 1938.

In 1938, a new, top-of-the-line model of the Type 135 was introduced at the 1938 Paris Salon, the MS (Modifeee Speciale). Its power plant was a thoroughly updated version of the existing 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine. A larger cylinder head and bigger valves improved breathing and horsepower was increased to 130hp and with proper gearing and slippery coachwork, could reach an incredible top speed of 110 mph.

In spite of the performance, it is the coachwork that defines a Delahaye. The greatest artists of the time created some of their best work on Delahaye chassis; Henri Chapron, Letourner et Marchand, Saoutchik, Guillore, Franay, and Graber were just a few whose art graced Delahayes. However, if one coachbuilding firm deserves special distinction, it would be Figoni et Falaschi.

This is the long-wheelbase (2.95-meter) version of the Paris Salon Cabriolet, which was introduced in 1936. The striking art deco design was described when new as 'seemingly molded by the wind itself.' Designed by French motoring artist Geo Ham, this 135 M was built by Figoni & Falaschi with a voluptuous body that features completely enclosed wheels with headlights integrated into the fenders and a split windshield that can be folded flat for a rather rakish appearance.

Only ten of these unique Paris Salon Delahaye roadsters were originally constructed by Figoni and just three are known to survive today. Figoni specifically crafted this and similar automobiles for cruising the straight tree-lined avenues of France in the late 1930s - and they were dubbed the 'Grand Routiere,' the precursor to the Gran Turismo that dominated Italian coachbuilding in the 1950s.

Purchased new by a Mr. Fould of Oran, Algeria, this car was discovered in 1992 under an olive tree in the Algerian mountains. It was purchased for the sum of just 60 British pounds.

No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.

1938 Delahaye Type 135 Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Delahaye Type 135

(Data based on Model Year 1938 sales)
1938 Delahaye 135 MS Figoni et Falaschi Coupe
Chassis#: 60112
Sold for USD$1,325,000
  2024 Broad Arrow Auctions : Amelia
1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  
1938 Delahaye 135 MS Coach par Guilloré
Chassis#: 49373
Sold for USD$43,502
  2022 Artcurial : Le Mans Classic
 
1938 Delahaye 135 M Three-position Drophead Coupé
Chassis#: 48721
Sold for USD$258,594
  2020 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
 
1938 Delahaye 135 MS Cabriolet Conversion
Chassis#: 60221
Sold for USD$270,603
  2017 RM Sothebys : London
 
1937 DELAHAYE 135 CABRIOLET Coachwork by Henri Chapron
Chassis#: 48482
Sold for USD$434,500
  2016 Bonhams : The Amelia Island Auction
1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  
1938 Delahaye 135 MS Coupe by Figoni et Falaschi
Chassis#: 60112
Sold for USD$990,000
  2015 RM Sotheby's : Amelia Island
1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  
1938 Delahaye 135 M cabriolet
Chassis#: 6S103
Sold for USD$166,992
  2015 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
 
1937 DELAHAYE 135 MS CHAPRON WITH FIGONI BUMPERS
Chassis#: 48482
Sold for USD$385,000
  2015 Barrett-Jackson - Scottsdale
1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  
1938 Delahaye 135 MS Coupe by Figoni et Falaschi
Chassis#: 60112
Sold for USD$1,540,000
  2013 RM Auctions - Arizona
1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  
1939 Delahaye 135 MS Grand Sport Roadster by Figoni et Falaschi
Chassis#: 60158
Sold for USD$1,118,313
  2011 RM Auctions - Villa d'Este
1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  
1938 Delahaye 135MS Sports Cabriolet
Chassis#: 60123
Sold for USD$852,500
  2010 RM Auctions - Sports & Classics of Monterey
1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  
1938 Delahaye 135 MS Competition Cabriolet
Chassis#: 49197
Sold for USD$2,383,002
  2010 RM Auctions - Sporting Classics of Monaco
 
1939 Delahaye Type 135 MS
Chassis#: 60158
Sold for USD$1,347,500
  2007 Vintage Motor Cars at Amelia Island
1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  
1938 Delahaye Type 135 Paris Salon Cabriolet
Sold for USD$1,712,000
  2006 Bonhams & Butterfields at The Quail Lodge, Resort & Golf Club
1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  
1939 Delahaye Type 135 MS
Chassis#: 60158
Sold for USD$1,100,000
  2006 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auction
1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  1938 Delahaye Type 135 image  

Delahaye Type 135s That Failed To Sell At Auction

1938 Delahaye Type 135's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1938 Delahaye 135 M Coupé Sport Chapron601272017 Artcurial : Retromobile $400,000$600,000
1938 Delahaye 135 MS Coupé by Figoni et Falaschi601122011 RM Auctions Villa d'Este$830,000$900,000$1,100,000
1938 Delahaye 135 M cabriolet6S1032010 Bonhams Automobiles d'Exception á Rétromobile $120,000$160,000

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1938 Delahaye Type 135 vehicle thumbnail image  1938 Delahaye Type 135 vehicle thumbnail image  
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1938 Delahaye Type 135 vehicle thumbnail image  1938 Delahaye Type 135 vehicle thumbnail image  

1938 Delahaye Type 135

Additional valuation insight and sales data
History
Specifications
Image gallery
Other Delahaye Type 135 model years

1938 Delahaye Type 135 Vehicle Profiles

1938 Delahaye Type 135 vehicle information
Roadster
Coachwork: Carlton Carriage Company
Chassis #: 49315
1938 Delahaye Type 135 vehicle information
Roadster
Coachwork: Figoni & Falaschi
1938 Delahaye Type 135 vehicle information
Coupe des Alpes
Coachwork: Henri Chapron
Chassis #: 48482
1938 Delahaye Type 135 vehicle information
Sports Cabriolet
Coachwork: deVillars
Chassis #: 60123
1938 Delahaye Type 135 vehicle information
Cabriolet
Coachwork: Henri Chapron
Chassis #: 49148
1938 Delahaye Type 135 vehicle information
Cabriolet
Coachwork: Figoni
1938 Delahaye Type 135 vehicle information
MS Coupe
Coachwork: Figoni
Chassis #: 60112
Engine #: 60112
1938 Delahaye Type 135 vehicle information
Roadster
Coachwork: Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis #: 60158
Engine #: 60158
1938 Delahaye Type 135 vehicle information
Cabriolet
Coachwork: Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis #: 9803 BF59
1938 Delahaye Type 135 vehicle information
Cabriolet
Coachwork: Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis #: 49169