1947 Delahaye 135M Roadster
Master coachbuilder Alphonse Guilloré created some of the most elegant bodies for the 135 chassis, working from his Courbevoie workshop near Paris. His roadster interpretations featured thoroughly modern lines with headlights integrated into the forward wing sections, representing a departure from traditional separate headlamp mounting.
The 135M utilized a 3.6-liter six-cylinder overhead-valve engine that delivered between 120 and 130 horsepower through triple Solex carburetors. This powerplant connected to either a four-speed synchromesh or Cotal pre-selector transmission, while the chassis incorporated transverse-leaf independent front suspension and center-lock wire wheels.
Competition success transformed Delahaye’s reputation in the late 1930s, with the 135 series taking victory at both the Monte Carlo Rally and finishing first at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race in 1938. The 135M continued this legacy into the post-war period, running until 1951 with refined engineering that attracted Europe’s finest coachbuilders.
Limited production numbers and wartime disruption meant few examples survived, making these cars highly sought after by collectors today.
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