1948 Delahaye 135M Cabriolet (by Antem)
After World War II devastated the European automotive industry, French coachbuilders emerged as leaders in luxury car design. The 135M represented Delahaye’s post-war revival, essentially carrying over the pre-war design but featuring a widened track and more refined powerplant.
Delahaye had no in-house coachworks, so all chassis were bodied by independent coachbuilders, resulting in some of the period’s most striking and individualistic designs.
The chassis featured independent front suspension with a transverse leaf spring, center-lock wire wheels, and Bendix hydraulic brakes. The design retained the traditional V-shaped grille with vertical bars and complementary headlight treatment that defined the marque’s elegant yet sporting character.
Power came from a 3.6-liter (3,558cc) overhead-valve straight-six engine producing between 120–160 horsepower depending on specification, with the highest output versions featuring triple carburetor induction. Transmission choices included a four-speed synchromesh manual or the optional Cotal electromagnetic pre-selector gearbox.
Production continued until 1951, making the 135M one of France’s last great luxury performance cars.
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