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Up until the 1930s, Delahayes were produced as standard reliable models alonside a sucessful commercial line. Not until a merger with Delage in 1935, did Delahaye move towards larger scale production and with it the introduction of custom coach building and elegance. These luxurious appointments combined with Delahaye engineering quickly made a desirable product, especially among the French high class.

Coachbuilders such as Figoni at Falaschi, Chapron, Franay, Letourner & Marchand, and Guillore all had their turn at building an image for the Delahaye name. Many of these cars were built specifically for Concours events which demanded elegance and uniqueness.

First shown in 1935, the 135 was an lower, more powerful and sporting version of the Type 138 model it replaced. This model was updated in 1937, to include the 3,557cc engine in various states of tune. The the 135M or Modifie featured either one or three caburettors for 95hp or 115hp. The top model was the Modifie Speciale with 135hp.

At the center of the 135 chassis was a robust six-cylinder engine. It's simple pushrod design ensured reliability while the modest capacity gave good fuel economy. For almost fifteen years Delahaye used this engine for their most celebrated chassis.

During the late thirties the 135 Sport competed with sucess in Grand Prix, rally and endurance racing, winning the 1936 Marsailles GP and closely missing the French GP (but still taking second, third, forth and fifth place). Furthermore, the highlight of the 135's career came at the 1938 LeMans 24 Hours race when Eugene Chaboud and Jean Tremoul took overall victory with their 135 Sport.

Around 50 examples of the 135 were made with a shorter chassis known as the Competition Court for small two seat coupes and cabriolets.

During the onset of war, Delahaye reverted back to their earlier commercial designs for the effort. Afterwards they continued their 135 line which was tollerant of the poor fuels avilable after the war. The new cars featured a longer and narrower grill, but still retained the grace of the pre-war cars.

This Delahaye 135 is represented on the CHF1, Swiss postage stamp for the 100 year anniversary of the Geneva Auto Show. It was bodied by Swiss Carrosie Gabber, and was shown as part of the '100 years of Swiss coachwork' display at the 2005 Geneva Auto Salon.

Story by Supercars.net