1947 Delahaye 135 M Roadster
Coachbuilder Alphonse Guilloré of Courbevoie unveiled a striking cabriolet at the 1946 Paris Motor Show, his first post-war design featuring a raked windshield, bold chrome body flares, and headlights integrated into teardrop-style front fenders.
The following year, Guilloré produced just three two-passenger roadster variations, of which only two are known to survive today.
These open two-seaters combined classic proportions with modern design elements. A long tail concealed the spare tire, while flowing fenders and chrome accents emphasized the low-profile chassis. The roadster body represented some of Guilloré’s most memorable work, blending traditional French coachbuilding with contemporary styling.
The 135 M designation indicated the enlarged 3.6-liter (217-cubic-inch) inline-six, which produced 90, 105, or 115 horsepower depending on carburetor configuration (single, dual, or triple). With triple carburetors in period, output was generally quoted up to about 110-120 horsepower. Power transferred through either a four-speed manual or Cotal electromagnetic preselector gearbox. Independent front suspension and right-hand drive were standard.
The Delahaye 135 line achieved notable prewar competition results including victory at the Rallye Monte Carlo in 1937 and an overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1938. These successes helped cement the reputation of the 135 and its later 135 M derivatives as among the great French sporting cars of the era.
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