1937 Delahaye 135M

Delahaye was founded in 1895 by Emile Delahaye, and it would grow to become one of the most successful French luxury car manufacturers of the pre-World War II era. The early examples were belt-driven single and twin-cylinder horseless carriages. The designs and innovations attracted investors eager to help the company succeed, but sadly Delahaye did not live long enough to see his company's success, as he passed away in 1905. Before he died, he hired several influential and creative engineers who continued his legacy. Prior to World War I, Delahaye was issued many patents with perhaps the most important being a V-6 layout as well as a twin-cam multi-valve engine.

Delahaye would build magnificent touring cars and high-performance machines that racked up success on the Grand Prix circuit as well as the great sports car races such as the Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Production of their most successful and recognized model, the Type 135, began in 1935 and came with a 3.2-liter straight-six engine with overhead valves, a four-bearing crankshaft, and delivered 95 horsepower in twin carburetor form. With three downdraught Solex carburetors, output rose to 110 bhp. Engineered by Jean Francois, it received the nickname Coupe des Alpes after winning the grueling Alpine Rally. In the front was an independent suspension setup with a live axle in the rear. Bendix brakes and either a partial synchro four-speed manual or a Cotal pre-selector gearbox were offered. The perimeter frame was designed for a low center of gravity and exceptional handling.

For 1936, a 3,558cc six-cylinder version became available in the 135M, and with three carburetors installed it was known as the 135MS.

Competition variants dominated sports-car racing during the late 1930s. Delahaye 135s took 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th at the 1936 French Grand Prix, which was run to sports-car regulations that year. Labor unrest forced the cancellation of the 1936 Le Mans 24 Hours, however, Delahaye 135s scored 2nd and 3rd in 1937 and 1st, 2nd, and 4th in 1938. Siam's Prince Bira won the 1938 Donington 12-Hour Sports Car Race, and Prince Chula was victorious at Brooklands' 'Fastest Road Car in England' event. After World War II, Delahaye 135s continued to race well into the 1950s, with one contesting the 1954 Tour de France.

Production was halted due to the war, but when peacetime resumed, so did the production of the 135 and MS in various forms until 1951, when the parent company Hotchkiss ended its run.

Delahaye did not produce its own coachwork, but its low ride height and purpose-built chassis made it the perfect platform to receive some of the most luxurious and sporting custom coachwork ever conceived. The list of coachbuilders included Figoni et Falaschi, Saoutchik, Pennock, and Marcel Pourtout who were eager to create coachwork streamlined bodies.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2019