The Exceptionally Rare 1949 Delahaye 135 MS

Delahaye produced its first automobile in 1894, although much of its early output was of commercial vehicles. Founder Émile Delahaye designed the cars and drove them in competition during the brand’s formative years, before retiring in 1901, when Charles Weiffenbach took over as director and Amédée Varlet became chief designer.

At this time the marque’s name was as renowned on water as it was on land, with motor-boat racing dominated by Delahaye-powered craft – one of which set a new World Speed Record of 33.84mph. There proved to be little profit in this sector, however, and the company redirected its attention to road transport. Under Varlet’s direction, Delahaye produced a succession of robust vehicles that had an enviable reputation for reliability, as well as fine sports cars. 

However, it was the numerous successes in motor sport that put the auto maker in the history books, including victory at the 1938 Le Mans 24 Hours. Yet it was the 135, unveiled at the 1938 Paris Salon, that transformed Delahaye’s image from dull dependability into chic high performance. It attracted the attention of France’s finest coachbuilders, such as Figoni et Falaschi, Franay and Saoutchik, and not surprisingly appealed to the concours set. Production records were lost during World War Two, but it is believed that only 2000 examples of the 135/235 family were made.

The 135 MS (Modifiee Speciale) pictured is the definitive version of Delahaye’s signature chassis. It’s believed to be one of three produced with bodywork by Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Viotti. Only two of those are currently known to be extant, making this an exceptionally rare vehicle that I saw and pictured at Concours of Elegance in 2020. Its powerplant was a thoroughly updated version of the existing 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine, boasting 135bhp and a 100mph top speed to make it one of the fastest cars in the world.

This Delahaye 135 MS has had only two previous owners, and it was bought in a desolate condition by an engineer in Switzerland in 1988. It subsequently underwent a total restoration over a ten-year period. Boasting matching numbers and presented in its original colours, in 2015 it won Best in Show at the 19th RAID Suisse-Paris Concours d’Elegance.

As history went on to show, the 135 MS was unfortunately the last great car to be made by Delahaye. While production of this type extended for more than 20 years, after the war the chassis was restyled and the design soon started to show its age. Delahaye was taken over by Hotchkiss in 1955.

ENGINE

3.6-litre six-cylinder, overhead valve, 135bhp, triple carburettors

CONFIGURATION

Front engine, partially synchronised four-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, independent, leaf-sprung front suspension, live rear axle, cable-operated Bendix brakes