File:Delahaye 135MS. 1935.jpg

English: Delahaye 135 was an automobile manufactured by Delahaye. Designed by young engineer Jean François, it was produced from 1935 until 1954 in many different body styles. A sporting tourer, it was also popular for racing.

History

The Delahaye 135, also known as "Coupe des Alpes" after its success in the Alpine Rally, was first presented in 1935 and signified Delahaye's decision to build sportier cars than before. The 3.2-litre, four-bearing overhead valve straight-six was derived from one of Delahaye's truck engines and was also used in the more sedate, longer wheelbase (3,160 mm/124 in) Delahaye 138. Power was 95 hp (71 kW) in twin carburetor form, but 110 hp (82 kW) were available in a version with three downdraught Solex carbs, offering a 148 km/h (92 mph) top speed. The 138 had a single carburetor and 76 hp (57 kW), and was also available in a sportier 90 hp (67 kW) iteration.[3]

The 135 featured independent, leaf-sprung front suspension, a live rear axle, and cable operated Bendix brakes. 17-inch spoke wheels were also standard. Transmission was either a partially synchronized four-speed manual or a four-speed Cotal pre-selector.

The list of independent body suppliers offering to clother the 135 chassis is the list of France's top coach-builders of the time, including Figoni & Falaschi, Letourner & Marchand, Guilloré, Marcel Pourtout, Frères Dubois, J Sautchik, Franay, Antem and Henri Chapron.[4]

Production of the 3.2-litre version ended with the German occupation in 1940 and was not taken up again after the end of hostilities. 135MS Short wheelbase 135MS (1937)

An even sportier version, the 135MS, soon followed. 120-145 hp were available, with competition versions offering over 160 hp.[1] The 135MS was the version most commonly seen in competition, and continued to be available until 1954, when new owners Hotchkiss finally called a halt. The MS had the 2.95 m wheelbase, but competition models sat on a shortened 2.70 m chassis.

The type 235, a rebodied 135MS with ponton-style design by Philippe Charbonneaux, appeared in 1951.

The 135 was successful as racing car during the late 1930s, winning the Monte Carlo rally 1937 and 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1938. The LeMans victory, with Chaboud and Trémoulet at the wheel, was decisive, with two more Delahayes coming in second and fourth. A regular 135 came seventh at the 1935 Le Mans, and in 1937 135MS came in second and third. Appearing again in 1939, two 135MS made it to sixth and eighth place, and again after the war the now venerable 135MS finished in 5th, 9th, and 10th.