Delahaye 135

Lore & Background

The Delahaye 135, also known as "" after its success in the Alpine Rally, was first presented in 1935 and signified Delahaye's decision to build sportier cars than before. The 3.2-litre overhead valve straight-six with four-bearing crankshaft was derived from one of Delahaye's truck engines and was also used in the more sedate, longer wheelbase Delahaye 138. Power was 95 hp in twin carburetor form, but 110 hp were available in a version with three downdraught Solex carbs, offering a 148 km/h top speed. The 135 featured independent, leaf-sprung front suspension, a live rear axle, and cable operated Bendix brakes, with 17-inch spoked wheels standard. Transmission was either a partially synchronized four-speed manual or four-speed Cotal pre-selector transmission.

A larger-displacement 135M was introduced in 1936, offering 90, 105, or 115 hp with one, two, or three carburetors. An even sportier version, the 135MS, soon followed with 120–145 hp, and competition versions offered over 160 hp. The 135MS was the version most commonly seen in competition, and continued to be available until 1954. The list of independent body suppliers offering to clothe the 135 chassis included Figoni & Falaschi, Letourneur et Marchand, Alphonse Guilloré, Marcel Pourtout, Frères Dubois, Jacques Saoutchik, Marius Franay, Henri Chapron, Faget-Varnay, Antem, and others.

Reader's Guide

The Delahaye 135 stands as a significant model in pre- and post-war French motoring, notable for its dual identity as a luxury tourer and a competitive racing car. Its success in the late 1930s, including a decisive victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1938 with Chaboud and Trémoulet at the wheel, and a win at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1937, cemented its reputation. The 135 also set the all-time record at the Ulster Tourist Trophy and placed second and third in the Mille Miglia in 1936. After the war, the now venerable 135MS continued to compete, finishing in 5th, 9th, and 10th at Le Mans, and John Crouch won the 1949 Australian Grand Prix driving a 135MS. The model's legacy is also tied to its wide array of coachbuilt bodies from France's top coachbuilders, making each example unique. Production of the 3.2-litre version ended with the German occupation in 1940, but the 135M and 135MS were resumed after the war. The Type 235, a rebodied 135MS with ponton-style design by Philippe Charbonneaux, appeared in 1951 as a last-ditch effort to save Delahaye, but only 84 examples were built before the company's demise in 1954.