1936 Delahaye Type 135 Competition Speciale

The Delahaye 135 was an attempt at reviving the company's glory years and attracting sporting owners back into the fold. The low-slung chassis was popular with coachbuilders and in competition guise, it won the 1938 24 Hours of LeMans along with finishing second and fourth. The agile chassis and potent engine made it very capable on both the road and track. It became the company's most successful model ever, and the stylish and versatile French car was produced in many configurations including a saloon, coupe, and cabriolet.

Approximately fourteen to sixteen examples were built as competition Type 135 S 'Competition Speciale' and campaigned extensively both before and after World War II. Its low-slung 'surbaisse' chassis received an independent front suspension and arched rear frame members which contributed to the car's superior handling characteristics. The short chassis had a 2.7m wheelbase and received bigger brakes, a lightweight alloy steering box, and a modified Type 103 engine. The 3,557cc six-cylinder, overhead-valve engine was paired with a four-speed manual or four-speed Cotal electromagnetic transmission.

The 135 'Competition Speciale' was used by the factory and a few specially chosen clients, while the less radical 135 'Competition Client' was offered to privateer drivers.

Competition Career
With approximately 160 horsepower, the Type 135 Speciale enjoyed an impressive debut season with a pair of victories at the Coupe d'Automne and Mont Ventoux, and podium finished at the Grand Prix de l'A.C.F (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 11th, 12th) and Spa 24-hours (2nd, 3rd). Additionally, it had the fastest-ever lap of the Ards circuit at 137.638km/h, where it placed 8th in the RAC Tourist Trophy.

In 1937, the Delahaye enjoyed an equally impressive season with a 3rd place finish at the Grand Prix de Pau, a 3rd at the Mille Miglia, and a 2nd and 3rd place finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It placed first in the Donington 12-hours and Coupe d'Automne, and 5th at the RAC Tourist Trophy.

The Delahaye's finest achievements were ascertained in 1938 when it placed 1st, 2nd and 4th at the Le Mans 24 Hours. A 2nd and 3rd place finish was achieved at the Paris 12 Hours, a 1st in Class at the Grand Prix des Frontieres, and a victory at the Cote Lapize.

In 1939, the Delahaye Type 135 S driven by Rob Walker earned the title of 'Britain's Fastest Road Car'. The same car was driven to an 8th-place finish at that year's Le Mans 24 Hours. The Type 135 S driven by Louis Villeneuve and Rene Biolay placed 10th. Another Type 135 Speciale driven by Robert Mazaud and Marcel Mongin set the fastest lap at 155.627km/h but retired.

Thanks to its reliability and impressive handling, the Delahaye 135 S achieved victory in many prestigious races including the Monte Carlo Rally and the Le Mans 24 Hours.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2023