Description
The Delahaye 134 N Berline Autobineau was a refined and understated French automobile introduced in the late 1930s, part of the company’s push to offer a mid-range model that balanced elegance, performance, and practicality. The “134 N” designation identified it as an updated version of the original Type 134, while “Berline Autobineau” referred to the closed four-door saloon body crafted by Carrosserie Autobineau, a respected subsidiary of Letourneur et Marchand.
The 134 N was powered by a 2.15-litre inline-four engine, an evolution of Delahaye’s earlier overhead-valve designs. The engine produced around 50 to 60 horsepower, depending on the specific tuning and year. It was paired with a four-speed manual transmission, typically featuring Delahaye’s robust synchromesh gearbox in later versions. This drivetrain gave the car a comfortable cruising speed and sufficient flexibility for both city and light touring use.
The chassis featured a steel ladder frame with independent front suspension using transverse leaf springs, and a solid rear axle supported by semi-elliptic leaf springs. Braking was hydraulic on all four wheels, which represented modern safety for the time. The 134 N was smaller and lighter than the more luxurious Delahaye 135 series, making it easier to handle and more economical to operate, while still sharing a strong family resemblance in terms of engineering quality.
The Berline body by Autobineau was classically proportioned, with four doors, a three-box design, and a formal roofline that catered to professional families, government officials, or well-to-do middle-class buyers. While not flamboyant, it carried an air of distinction, with subtle art deco detailing, integrated headlamps, and carefully tailored lines. The interior was functional but elegant, with wood trim, quality cloth upholstery, and instrumentation that reflected the company’s focus on refined motoring.
The 134 N models were produced in relatively limited numbers compared to Delahaye’s more exclusive sports and luxury models. However, they were important for expanding the company’s reach beyond high-society clients and into a broader, more practical market segment. Many of these cars were used as dignified daily transport or as government fleet vehicles in pre-war and early post-war France.
Though not as glamorous as the 135 or 148 series, the Delahaye 134 N Berline Autobineau is now appreciated by collectors for its rarity, build quality, and understated charm. Survivors are occasionally seen at European classic car events, often restored to showcase the quiet confidence and tasteful engineering of pre-war French middle-class motoring.