Vehicle Description
In the years leading up to World War II, Delahaye enjoyed elite
status among the top French automakers, earning its lauded
reputation for quality and performance at LeMans and on the Grand
Prix circuit. In 1935, the firm introduced one of its most
successful models, the Type 135. A natural-born performer in
motorsport, the Type 135 chassis was also a darling of the
prestigious French coachbuilding industry, providing the perfect
canvas for Chapron, Franay, and Figoni et Falaschi, and others to
work their magic. As the dust of war settled, France's citizens and
industry emerged from the rubble battered but far from broken.
Delahaye returned to work, initially producing a 3 � -ton truck
model, which paid the bills during Reconstruction. In 1946, the
Type 135M returned, and Delahaye was finally back in business as
one of France's premier sports car makers. Engineers revised the
135 with a widened track for better handling and improved the
overhead valve six-cylinder engine, offering up to 130 horsepower
for the "MS" and considerably more for racing. As it had before,
Delahaye partnered with various high-profile coachbuilders, and the
emerging postwar aesthetic proved a fine match for the superb
chassis. Ultimately, 1155 examples of the post-war Type 135 were
produced through 1952, but sadly for Delahaye, company fortunes
meant the once great marque would not survive past 1954. Clothed in
sumptuous coachwork by Letourneur et Marchand, the 1949 Delahaye
Type 135MS offered here is the desirable performance variant,
replete with a 130-horsepower triple-carb engine and Cotal
pre-select gearbox. Compared to powerhouses like Chapron and Figoni
& Falaschi, the coachbuilding firm of Jean-Marie Letourneur and
Jean-Arthur Marchand was a relatively small operation. But over
their 50 years in business, the pair built a considerable
reputation for original, tasteful designs and exquisite
craftsmanship. Their work appeared on a wide range of prestige
chassis, including Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, Hispano-Suiza, Duesenberg,
and Delage - their biggest client. Delahaye also counted in that
list, with a total of 16 chassis coming through their
Neuilly-sur-Seine workshops. In the case of this splendid Delahaye
135MS, Letourneur et Marchand crafted a handsome, ponton-style
four-seater coupe with exquisitely judged details like the creative
pillarless window openings and the subtle use of chrome trim. It is
believed this car was sold new in France, with registration forms
going back to 1953 from the French city of Lyon. Later, it was
imported to Belgium by a Delahaye collector and enthusiast named
Baudouin Dejaiffe. He held the car in his collection for several
years, preserving its low-mileage, unrestored condition. It then
traded hands to a long-term owner in 1977. In the late 1990s, he
treated it to a sympathetic yet superb quality refurbishment,
taking it down to bare metal and refinishing the coachwork in its
current shade of dark blue. Correspondence on file notes that the
underlying body was exceptional, pointing to a cherished existence
since new. Later work included a complete engine overhaul and
detailing and a stunning restoration of the interior. In 2007, the
distinctive Delahaye was invited by the Malaysian Minister of
Transport to be part of celebrations of the Monarchy's 50th
Anniversary in Kuala Lumpur. The event included a massive gathering
of classic cars from around the world, taking part in a road rally
and concours d'elegance. The Delahaye not only completed the tour
without trouble, but it went on to win its class in the concours
and take Best in Show honors against a highly competitive field of
250 cars. After coming stateside following a change of ownership in
2015, the new owner commissioned further detailing and concours
preparation work. In 2016, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
invited it to join a special class of Delahaye motorcars, where it
scored a well-deserved 3rd in class. Today, this distinctly elegant
Type 135 remains in superb condition. The deep blue paintwork is
exquisitely finished to a high standard, laid over crisp body
panels with precise gaps. Beautiful brightwork and sparkling chrome
wires with whitewall Firestones punctuate the understated livery.
Authentic details include Marchal lamps, twin wing mirrors, and
unique chrome drip rails. Swinging open the cleverly-designed,
rear-hinged door reveals the stunning navy blue and cream
leather-lined interior. It is ornate and opulent while also
retaining an air of sporting purposefulness that reflects the
chassis' potential. From the beautiful chrome-spoke banjo wheel to
an array of lovely OS gauges and fine woodwork, the cabin is a
splendid display of late-40s French luxury. The finely detailed
engine features a trio of correct Solex carburetors, denoting this
as the hottest MS model, rated for 130 horsepower. The inline-six
is paired with a Cotal pre-select gearbox, operated via the
delicate H-pattern gear lever on the steering column. Aside from
looking the part, it performs beautifully. With its elegant
four-seater configuration, there is plenty of room and performance
potential for four passengers to enjoy the experience on concours
road tours or other driving events. As one of just 16 Delahaye
chassis clothed by Letourneur et Marchand, this represents a rare
opportunity to acquire a truly unique and eminently stylish
FrenchGrand Routier. It is a beautifully prepared machine, proven
on the concours field and beyond, and it will undoubtedly take
pride of place in its next keeper's collection. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6905-1949-delahaye-135ms-letourneur-et-marchand-coupe/