1939 Delahaye Type 135 M

Roadster by Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis number: 48667
Engine number: 48667

Emile Delahaye founded the Delahaye automobile manufacturing company in 1894, in Tours, France. Production was closed in 1954, despite its reputation for building reliable trucks and fast automobiles.

Previous owner Malcolm Pray first saw this fabulous Figoni & Falaschi designed roadster when it premiered at the French Pavilion at the New York World's Fair in 1939. He purchased the car in 1964, not realizing that this was the car he sketched as a captivated eleven-year-old 24 years earlier. It has been displayed at Retromobile and the Centre International de l'Automobile in Paris.

This is the second Paris Salon Cabriolet mounted on the short chassis with coachwork by French coachbuilder Figoni et Falashi, in conjunction with the artist Geo Hamm. Approximately thirty Competition Court chassis were constructed. This is a relatively early example, perhaps built in 1936, and its original chassis tag indicates Type 135-M. Its coachwork was commissioned by Delahaye, rather than a private individual, and intended as a show car. The Torpedo Roadster design was based on the famed 1936 Paris Auto Show car and one of a series of 13 streamlined bodies constructed by Figoni et Falaschi with the input of Geo Ham. The series was comprised of both open and closed cars that were based on long and short chassis.

Figoni et Falaschi refused to acknowledge Ham's contribution to the design; Ham threatened a lawsuit, and an agreement was soon struck. Ham was allowed to register bodies 6, 7, and 8 as his creations, under the Union of Artistic Property. These three bodies received a brass tag, placed just aft of the doors, acknowledging this agreement. One of these three cars was chassis number 48667 and it continues to wear the original Geo Ham tag stating, 'Creation Figoni-Falaschi-Geo Ham modele depose No. 7.' This Delahaye is one of two short-chassis Torpedo Roadsters that exists in modern times, and the only one to retain the original Geo Ham tag.

This Delahaye, wearing a Blue Monaco and Straw Yellow exterior, was delivered to Delahaye in August 1937. In October, it was shown at the Gardenia Concours d'Elegance at Saint-Cloud.

Around 1939, this Delahaye was upgraded with an MS-specification engine, and in this configuration, it was sent across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States and shown in the French Pavilion at the 1939 New York World Fair.

The Delahaye was purchased by the first owner New Yorker Bale Greer in 1940 after the fair closed. It was then acquired by Malcolm Pray, the second owner, in July of 1964. The car participated in early hill climbs and has been recognized as a leading show car in concours around the world because of its striking design. Its fully enclosed front and rear wheels enhance the drama of its aerodynamic lines.

This 135M has never been completely restored and instead has undergone only periodic refurbishing to maintain originality.

This is considered one of the most stunning automobile designs ever created. Delahaye produced powerful, reliable automobiles, and Figoni et Falaschi is one of, if not the, premier coachbuilder in France, a fabulous combination indeed.

Convertible Coupe by Henri Chapron
Chassis number: 60136

Delahaye built its first automobile in 1894 in Tours, France, and went on to produce well-made but modest utilitarian vehicles. After sales declined severely due to the Depression of the 1930s, the firm needed to produce something incredible if it were to increase sales and survive. For 1934, Delahaye introduced its most famous and successful cars: the 135 and the Coupe des Alpes. Both were sporty, lightweight, and powerful fitted with sleek and stylish custom coachwork. During the Second World War, Delahaye returned to truck production and by 1954, the company had been taken over by commercial vehicle producer Hotchkiss.

This 1939 Delahaye 135M Convertible Coupe wears custom coachwork by Henri Chapron of Paris, France. The car has a 131-inch wheelbase and is powered by a six-cylinder engine offering 120 horsepower.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster by Figoni & Falaschi
Chassis number: 48667
Engine number: 48667

Even by the 1930s, the performance capabilities of the automobile had progressed to such an extent that many manufacturers would shy away from offering chassis that tested those limits for fear their customers would not be able to handle what was available to them. A few, however, would throw caution to the wind and would make such performance available to their customers. Delahaye was just such a manufacturer.

Delahaye's offering of track performance for the street would come in the form of the Type 135 S chassis. Delahaye's means of protecting itself and its clients were bound in the fact the Type 135 Competition Court, the model chassis actually intended for competition but that could be made into a road car, would not be found in any official listing from the company. This particular chassis had to be requested, and not just anyone would get one.

One particular example of the Competition Court chassis is 48667. Its number would suggest the chassis was actually assembled in 1936. The custom-built body adorning the chassis would be exceptional in its own right.

Coachbuilders of the period would be particularly drawn to the design of teardrop and the torpedo as both similar represented for aerodynamic shapes, even though the science wasn't very well appreciated at the time. Based upon the show car that could have been seen at the Paris Auto Show in 1936, 48667 would be graced with a Torpedo Roadster body designed by the illustrator Georges Hamel. Hamel's fame as an illustrator would grow from his racing posters featuring aircraft and automobiles. He would work closely with Figoni at Falaschi to design the body that would sit atop the very special chassis. When completed, 48667 would become one of just 13 streamlined bodies that were a part of series based on the Paris show car.

But, while the brass tag would give the impression of a close association between Figoni and Hamel, the illustrator would have to threaten a lawsuit before his name would be included as a collaborator in the project. An agreement would be struck and Hamel's name would be added to the bronze plate of just three examples. Such intrigue only adds to the story of this very special Delahaye.

Chassis 48667 would be one of those bearing Hamel's name. Completed in Blue Monaco and Straw Yellow, the car would be delivered in August of 1937. Immediately after being delivered it would take part in its first concours event, the Gardenia Concours d'Elegance at Saint-Cloud. Even from the very beginning, this Delahaye would be recognized as a priceless collectible. Though presented at the concours by Emilienne d'Avray, it seems clear 48667 would be without an owner for a couple of years.

Apparently given a new engine, just carrying the original number, the Delahaye would set off across the Atlantic in 1939 for North America. There is some suggestion that this particular chassis made an appearance at the World's Fair and that Bob Grier, the photographer and motoring enthusiast, would purchase the car at about the same time. Unfortunately, the war would hinder Grier from being able to enjoy the car. When the war came to an end though, Grier would take to the wheel and would use the performance of the 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine to take part in a number of hillclimbs. Apparently, the car would be seen with its color scheme reversed.

In 1954, the Delahaye would take part in Herb Shriner's World Motor Sports Show held at Madison Square Garden. Approaching the 1960s, the Delahaye had spent some twenty years in Grier's possession. It was time to pass the car along. So, in November of 1963, just a couple of weeks before the assassination of Kennedy, Hugh J. Weidinger's Long Island's Hemostead Auto Company would become the new owner of the Delahaye. While the property of Weidinger's company the Torpedo Roadster would again be refinished. This time the scheme would turn to red and black.

Malcolm S. Pray, Jr. had also been at the World's Fair in 1939. He was just 11 years old at the time but would be absolutely taken back by the Delahaye on display. Right there in that very moment, he desired to own what he saw. In time, Mr. Pray would become an influential businessman and an avid car collector. Though he collected the very best, there was one, if he allowed himself to dream, he absolutely wanted more than any other.

About 25 years after that first encounter, Pray would find himself in the position of being able to purchase the very same car he had seen when just a boy. Pray would need no convincing and needed little incentive. He would jump at the chance of owning his fantasy car, a car that he would consider greater than any other in his collection. The best part of it all was that it would really be a chance encounter; two separated lovers meeting again after years apart. And such was the relationship.

In 1969 and '70 the car would be refurbished. Wanting to remember it as it was, Pray would have the car refinished in its original colors. Though refurbished and return to its original livery, the car would be seldom seen for the next 45 years. Then, amazingly, the car would make an appearance at the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance in 1994. It had been 40 years before the car made its last appearance in a show and it would prove to be a truly moving moment. Then, one year later, Malcolm and his new wife, Natalie, would tour the car in Europe. Such was the affection Pray had for the car that Natalie would consider the car the 'French Mistress'.

Mr. Pray's pride would get the better of him. After that debut in 1994, the Delahaye would be a participant in more than 50 events. This active lifestyle would certainly seem to give credence to the affectionate nickname 'French Mistress'. Unfortunately, Mr. Pray can no longer enjoy such rendezvous. The arousing Delahaye will have to use its looks and performance to find a new amour.

Sources:

'Lot No. 167: 1937 Delahaye 135 Competition Court Torpedo Roadster', (http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1064908). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/lots/lot.cfm?lot_id=1064908. Retrieved 6 February 2014.

Mellana, Tom. 'Malcolm S. Pray Jr., Greenwich Businessman and Benefactor, has Died', (http://www.greenwichtime.com/local/article/Malcolm-S-Pray-Jr-Greenwich-business sman-and-4759990.php). Greenwich Time.com. http://www.greenwichtime.com/local/article/Malcolm-S-Pray-Jr-Greenwich-businessman-and-4759990.php. Retrieved 6 February 2014.

by Jeremy McMullen

Cabriolet by Gebruder Tuscher

Delahaye was one of the earliest auto manufacturing companies in the world, having been founded in 1894 in Tours, France. Always innovative, Delahaye produced the first twin-cam multi-valve engine and the V-6 configuration. And though both disappeared from Delahaye's lineup before World War I, both achieved great success with other car makers.

At the height of the Depression, the company launched the six-cylinder Model 135 'Coupe des Alpes' in 1935. The Model 135M followed in 1936, with larger displacement engines. Production of the 135M continued until the company ceased operations in 1954. The chassis featured a 3227cc straight-6 engine with independent, leaf-sprung front suspension, a live rear axle, and mechanical brakes.

The coachwork is that of the Zurich, Switzerland coach builder, Gebruder Tuscher. Tuscher built many custom bodies on chassis for numerous manufacturers including Rolls Royce, Bugatti, Isotta Fraschini, and Alfa Romeo in Europe and Studebaker, Chrysler, Cadillac, and Auburn in the United States. It is one of the few remaining coachbuilders, having transitioned to manufacturing buses and trucks.

This automobile was donated to the Classic Car Club of America Museum by the late Robert Atwell of Kerrville, Texas, and was recently restored by Brad Janousek of Bellevue, Michigan.

Convertible Coupe by Henri Chapron
Chassis number: 48700
Engine number: 48700

The Delahaye 135 M (Modifie) was based on the original Delahaye 135 first shown in 1935. Combining luxurious bodywork with Delahaye's race-winning engineering, the Delahaye 135 M is one of the most desirable cars from the prewar era. This 1937 Delahaye 135 M Convertible Coupe is from the French Carrosserie Henri Chapron. Built on Delahaye's shorter competition chassis, it has a 95 horsepower 3.5-liter engine fitted with triple Solex carburetors. The sporty body with its sharply raked one-piece windshield sits low to the ground and features beautifully sculpted teardrop fenders accented by round vents on the side of the hood and a chrome beltline moulding that extends from the radiator surround back through the doors before falling smoothly off at the tail. The car has just been restored by its current owner.

Roadster by Figoni & Falaschi

This Delahaye 135 Roadster was built in 1939 on a Competition Court chassis, however, it was not completed until 1947 due to the war outbreak. This is the 13th and final Delahaye Roadster designed by respected French poster artist, Georges Hamel (Geo Ham), and bodied by Figoni & Falaschi. The roadster was presented at the 1947 Trocadero Concours d'Elegance in Paris by Miss France, Juliette Figueras, and won the Excellence Award in 1948 at the Biarritz Concours. In the 1960s the car went missing in the south of France and was lost for over 40 years until it was rediscovered in Bordeaux, France in 2005. Painstakingly restored over five years, the car has diligently returned to its original glory.

Emile Delahaye was born in Tours, France in 1843. He studied engineering in Angers, France. In 1869 he began work with his engineering degree in applied arts and crafts.

Emile Delahaye began business in Tours, France in the middle of the 19th century for the purpose of constructing engines for the ceramic industry. The company branched out and began constructing mechanical appliances such as pumps and engines. In 1888, Delahaye designed an internal combustion engine for the shipping industry. It was not until 1896 that Automobile production began for Delahaye. His first automobiles produced were powered by belt-driven single and twin-cylinder engines.

Emile used motor racing to promote his vehicles. In 1896, Emile Delahaye entered the Paris-Marseilles race. Not only did he enter a vehicle his company had created, but he entered as the driver. The results were astounding, which truly speaks highly of the caliber and quality of the automobile. The demand for the vehicles began pouring in and a second factory was opened.

Due to failing health, Delahaye was forced into retirement in 1901. This was a year after the second factory was opened in Paris. Since Delahaye had no heirs, management control was passed onto a young engineer named Charles Weiffenbach. Weiffenbach oversaw operations until 1954.

In 1905, due to failing health, Emile Delahaye passed away.

Automotive racing was paramount during this period in history. This is why many of the vehicles built during this era were built to be raced and to be used as the daily driver. The sales of the vehicles were stimulated by the way the vehicle performed on the race track. Weiffenbach, however, had a different philosophy. His main focus and priority were to build dependable vehicles. Many of the early vehicles were equipped with four-cylinder engines capable of producing between 9-12 horsepower. Near the beginning of the First World War, a 6-cylinder, 2565cc engine was used.

In addition to automobiles, the Delahaye company produced trucks, lorries, parcel carriers for the post office, motor plows, fire engines, and other commercial and military vehicles. Many of the vehicles were used during the First World War

From 1927 to 1933, productions of medium-class cars were low, but the vehicles that were produced carried with them a reputation for being reliable and robust.

In the early thirties, Weiffenbach, also known as 'Monsieur Charles' by his peers, was in his early 60's. The decision was made to boldly move into the sports car arena. This was in response to the market trends and a way to re-establish a competitive edge in the automotive technology spectrum. For an automotive company that had never created a car that could achieve a top speed faster than 110 km/h, this would be a major undertaking.

Jean Francois, a 29-year-old engineer, was commissioned to construct a series of sporty cars using as many spare parts as possible. Talbot's new independent suspension was used along with a new chassis with box-section side members. The engine was borrowed from one of their trucks. The engine featured a 65mm crankshaft with internal lubrication. In 1933, the vehicles were introduced at the Paris Car Salon. They were the 4-cylinder 12CV and the 6-cylinder 18CV. At the show, Lucy O'Reilly Schell approached Weiffenbach with a request to have a vehicle built that could be entered in rally events.

Lucy O'Reilly, a wealthy American of Irish origin, had a passion for racing. So fueled by Delahaye's desire to produce sports cars and Reilly's financial backing and quest to win motorsport events, the company re-entered the racing scene.

The Delahaye Type 135

The Type 135 was created with variants such as the 135 Competition Speciale (135 CS), designed specifically for racing. The 135 Sport and the 135 Coupe both featured a 3.2-liter engine. The Sport produced 96 horsepower while the Coupe had 110 horsepower. 120 horsepower was produced by the 3.6-liter engine that rested in the Type 135 Competition model. The engine in the 135 CS was a simple pushrod-operated engine borrowed from the 1927 Type 103 truck engine. It gave up horsepower for great acceleration and torque.

The Type 135 is considered one of the most famous and prestigious vehicles produced by Delahaye. In both design and racing competition, it was very successful. Designed in 1934 it was quickly entered into races such as the 24 Heures du Mans, the Monte-Carlo Rally, and the Paris-Saint-Raphael motor race, where it had great success at being a competitive and reliable automobile.

The Type 135 Competition Speciale Sports Car (CS) had a chassis 25 cm shorter than the 135 touring car. This shortened version had better weight distribution which greatly improved the handling and performance. The engine and 4-speed Wilson epicyclic gearbox were placed lower in the chassis, thus contributing to the benefits of a better-balanced vehicle. The 135 CS came equipped with an 80-liter or a 100-liter fuel tank, this option was left up to the buyer's discretion.

The 135 CS was debuted in the 1936 Monte Carlo Rally where it finished 2nd in a field of fierce competition. In 1936 it was the winner of the Marsailles Gran Prix. At the French Grand Prix is placed second, third, fourth and fifth.

Well-known coachbuilders, such as Franay, Letourner & Marchard, Chapron, and Guillore, were tasked with outfitting the 135's. This may have been influenced by Delage, an automotive company that Delahaye merged with in 1935. As a result, the 135 won numerous awards for styling and design.

The Type 135's is truly a prestigious masterpiece with strong racing history and a heritage that was formed on stability, robustness, and stamina.

by Dan Vaughan