1946 Delahaye 135M Coach Coupe
Few French chassis of the late prewar period carried a more distinguished competition record. After sweeping the top six positions at Marseilles in 1936, the Type 135 followed with a second overall at Le Mans in 1938, then first and second overall in 1939 (with further class successes at Le Mans in 1937), all while taking Monte Carlo Rally wins in 1937 and 1939. Roadgoing cars shared the same basic engine architecture as the competition models.
Coachwork was entrusted to outside suppliers, and the 135 M attracted virtually every significant French atelier of the period, including Figoni & Falaschi, Henri Chapron, Guilloré, Letourneur et Marchand, and Franay, among others.
Power came from a 3.6-liter overhead-valve inline six (3,557 cc) producing approximately 95, 110, or 120 horsepower depending on whether one, two, or three carburetors were fitted. Transmission choices included a four-speed manual with synchromesh on the upper gears or a four-speed Cotal electro-magnetic preselector.
Production continued after World War II with the 135 M essentially unchanged aside from detail refinements and chassis updates, keeping this prewar design in production until 1954. Curb weight typically ranged from about 2,900 to 3,300 lbs (1,315 to 1,500 kg), depending on coachwork.
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