The Delahaye Type135, launched in 1935, marked a turning point for the brand. This sporty car boasted a powerful 3.2-liter engine and innovative features like independent front suspension. It quickly gained fame on the racing circuit, achieving podium finishes and winning prestigious races like Le Mans.
Delahaye continued to refine the 135, introducing even more powerful versions. Production continued after World War II, but financial troubles forced Delahaye to merge with another automaker in 1954.
Uniquely, Delahaye didn’t build the car bodies themselves. Instead, they partnered with renowned coachbuilders like Saoutchik and Chapron, who created stunning and memorable designs for the T135 chassis. This collaboration resulted in some of the most beautiful and collectible cars of the era.
Photos courtesy of RM Sotheby’s