France's defining sporting grand tourer of the 1930s — chassis to the world's leading coachbuilders.
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The Delahaye 135 was France's pre-eminent sporting chassis from 1935, powered by a 3.5-litre overhead-valve six (135M / 135MS variants with triple Solex carburettors and around 130 bhp). The chassis was clothed by every leading French coachbuilder — Figoni & Falaschi, Saoutchik, Chapron, Franay, Letourneur et Marchand — and dominated French concours throughout the 1930s. The 135MS finished second at Le Mans 1938. Post-war production continued into 1954 with progressively softer bodywork before financial pressures ended the marque.
Pre-war French coachbuilding at its most flamboyant; the Delahaye 135 chassis carries some of the most theatrical bodies ever built.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 135 / 135M | 1935–1954 | — | Standard touring specification. |
| 135MS | 1936–1939 | — | Sporting specification; triple-Solex 130 bhp. |
| 135 Compétition | 1936–1939 | — | Works racing variant; Le Mans podium. |
For pre-war and vintage cars such as the Delahaye 135 / 135M / 135MS, provenance is paramount. Chassis and engine number matching, period coachbuilder records, factory build sheets where available, continuous ownership documentation, original handbooks and any competition or concours history are the foundation of value. Coachbuilder identity and pre-war origin; Figoni & Falaschi pontoon-fendered cars lead.
The 3.5-litre OHV six is robust and well-supported; triple Solex carburettors require specialist set-up. Cotal preselector gearboxes (fitted to many cars) need specialist familiarity. A pre-purchase inspection by a recognised marque specialist should include compression and leak-down testing, magneto and ignition checks, chassis straightness and frame survey, axle and steering wear assessment, brake system review (mechanical or hydraulic per period), and an extended road test on varied terrain to expose carburation, cooling and gearbox issues that only emerge under sustained running.
Pre-war coachwork is rarely truly original after a century of use. Establish whether the body is original to the chassis (period photographs, build records, coachbuilder plates), whether it has been re-bodied at any point, and the standard of any restoration. Quality of timber framing, ash health, panel beating and paint depth are all critical. Concealed structural rot, re-bodies presented as original, and 'tribute' cars built on later or unrelated chassis must be priced accordingly.
Pre-war Figoni & Falaschi or Saoutchik open coachwork is the dramatic top of the market; post-war saloons and softer coachwork trade at substantial discounts. For vintage cars, event eligibility — Mille Miglia, Goodwood Revival, Pebble Beach, VSCC events, Le Mans Classic — can underwrite a substantial proportion of market value. Verify FIA/FIVA papers, period race history where claimed, and the car's standing with the relevant marque registry before purchase.
Regional ranges authored independently — each reflects its local market, not an FX conversion
Vintage cars require disciplined preventive maintenance: lubrication regimes, magneto service, carburettor synchronisation, brake adjustment, and timber and trim conservation. A car used regularly and serviced annually by a specialist will outlast a stored example neglected for decades.
Strong French and US specialist network; Delahaye Club support is active. Confirm the availability of marque specialists, period-correct fasteners, coachwork trim, instruments and tyres before committing. A car requiring fabricated one-off parts will absorb time and cost that a similar example with active specialist support will not.
Each region quoted in its local currency — independent market readings, not FX conversions
Pre-war Figoni & Falaschi cars are at the very top; mid-tier coachwork firm; post-war cars accessible.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-08-16 | Gooding & Co. Pebble Beach | 1938 135M Cabriolet (Figoni & Falaschi) | — | $3,415,000 Sold |
Top-tier French coachwork is finite and increasingly recognised. Mid-tier offers strong relative value.
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Register interestThe valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.
