Description
The Delahaye 135 M Competition Coupé is a rare and highly desirable variant of the famed Delahaye 135 series, combining the elegance of French coachbuilt luxury with the mechanical aptitude necessary for high-level competition. Positioned between the standard 135 and the full-blooded 135 S racing models, the 135 M Competition Coupé offered a refined balance of grand touring comfort and sporting prowess.
Mechanically, the 135 M Competition was equipped with the most powerful version of Delahaye’s robust 3.6-litre inline six-cylinder engine. With triple Solex or Stromberg carburettors and higher compression ratios, the output reached up to 130 horsepower or more, depending on the tuning. The engine was mated to either a 4-speed manual gearbox or the advanced Cotal pre-selector transmission, which allowed rapid clutchless gear changes through a finger-operated selector—especially advantageous during competition driving.
The chassis used for the Competition Coupé was typically the shorter of the available 135 M frames, offering better rigidity and handling characteristics. Independent front suspension, hydraulic dampers, and large cable-operated drum brakes all contributed to a car that could handle spirited driving on winding roads or even circuit racing. These cars were often tested or proven in motorsport settings, with close links to Delahaye’s successes at events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monte Carlo Rally during the late 1930s and early 1940s.
The bodywork for the Competition Coupés varied depending on the coachbuilder chosen by the client, though Figoni & Falaschi, Chapron, and Letourneur et Marchand were among the most common collaborators. The designs were noticeably more streamlined than standard coupés, often featuring lower rooflines, cutaway doors, integrated headlights, and sloping tails that improved aerodynamics. Ventilation grilles, bonnet straps, and lightweight materials like aluminum or thin-gauge steel were also employed to reduce weight and enhance performance.
Interiors were typically more spartan than on pure luxury models, yet they retained a high level of craftsmanship. While full leather upholstery and wood dashboards were still present, concessions were made in the name of weight savings—such as the use of thinner seats, minimal insulation, and limited decorative trim. The overall feeling was that of a gentleman’s racer: fast, stylish, but entirely usable on the open road.
The Delahaye 135 M Competition Coupé served not only as a high-speed touring car but also as a proving ground for Delahaye’s engineering in motorsport. While not as raw as the 135 S, which was stripped for endurance racing, the Competition Coupé could be—and often was—driven to the track, raced, and then driven home. This dual-purpose capability made it especially appealing to privateer racers and wealthy clients seeking both prestige and performance.
Today, surviving examples of the 135 M Competition Coupé are extremely rare and command high prices at auction. Many have been carefully restored to original specifications, often with a history of competition use or concours appearances. Their combination of beauty, performance, and historical pedigree ensures they remain icons of the golden age of French motoring and a prized possession in any serious vintage collection.