1947 Delahaye 135 MS

The 1947 Delahaye 135 MS “teardrop coupe” is the triple-carburetor version of Delahaye’s most famous model, the Type 135.  Standing for Modifie Speciale, the 135 MS was the definitive version of Delahaye’s signature chassis.  It had 100 mph performance which included it with the fastest cars in the world. 

First shown at the 1935 Paris Auto Show, the Type 135 was a lower, more powerful and sporting version of the 18 HP model it replaced.  This model was updated in 1937, to include the 3,557cc engine in various states of tune.  The 135M or Modifie featured either one or three carburetors for 95hp or 115hp.  The top model was the Modifie Speciale (MS) with 135hp. 

When the MS was first released in 1938, its chassis had already won many victories including LeMans with special competition versions built for sporting clientele. The 135 was debuted in the 1936 Monte Carlo Rally where it finished 2nd in a field of fierce competition. In 1936 it was the winner of the Marsailles Gran Prix. At the French Gran Prix is placed second, third, fourth and fifth. 

From our research we’ve determined that our car is one of only two Delahayes built by Swiss coachbuilder Langenthal in Switzerland.  Originally a convertible, the owner sent it back to Langenthal complaining of poor rear visibility and wind noise (so why order a convertible?). So Langenthal custom-fabricated a removable hardtop. However, once received, the owner wrestled with the top’s size and weight. Frustrated, the owner again sent it back to Langenthal and asked them to construct a hardtop coupe, this permanently affixing the top to the car.  Which, of course, they did and as is the configuration of the car today. 

Components were hard to come by in post-war Europe and it is speculated a military vehicle donated the heavy-duty wiring harness seen behind the car’s engine.  The frog hood ornament was a common Delahaye accessory.  Combining good handling and brakes, spirited performance, and the dependability of previous Delahayes, the chassis was a favorite of French coach-builders.  The fact that it cost about half as much Bugatti Type 57 also helped. 

The Type 135 is considered as one of the most famous and prestigious vehicles produced by Delahaye. In both design and racing competition, it was very successful.  Unfortunately, the 135 MS was the last great car made by Delahaye. After the war they continued producing the same chassis restyled with a radiator grille and hood by designer Philippe Charbonneaux, but it was showing its age.  In 1951, the 135 was replaced by the 235, which wasn’t very different. 

Color: Silver

Body: Coupe

Transmission:  Manual

Engine: V6

Top Speed: coming soon

Horsepower: 135

Condition: coming soon

Car’s History: coming soon

Claim to Fame: Only 1,155 postwar 135s were built by the time the model was dropped in 1952

Mileage: coming soon

Price: Please inquire