Description
The Delahaye 135 M Roadster by Figoni & Falaschi is among the most visually striking and romantic creations of the pre-war automotive era. Built on the elegant and powerful 135 M chassis, this car represents the pinnacle of French coachbuilding art and engineering collaboration. The partnership between Delahaye and the design house of Figoni & Falaschi resulted in a series of extraordinary rolling sculptures that perfectly captured the spirit of the French Art Moderne movement.
At the heart of the 135 M is a 3.2- or 3.6-litre inline six-cylinder engine, depending on the specific model year and order specification. With the triple-carburettor setup, the engine could produce up to 130 horsepower, offering a refined but athletic performance that was especially impressive for a roadster. Paired with the advanced Cotal electromagnetic pre-selector gearbox, the car provided smooth and rapid gear changes—a futuristic experience for its time. The 135 M was also notable for its independent front suspension and rigid rear axle, delivering balanced handling and a comfortable ride, even over long distances.
The real marvel of this roadster lies in its coachwork. Figoni & Falaschi were masters of aerodynamic styling and their designs featured sensuous curves, tapering tails, flowing fenders, and elaborate chrome accents. Many of their roadsters on the 135 M chassis featured sweeping teardrop fenders, pontoon-style wheel arches, and low-slung, boat-tail rears that evoked motion even when stationary. These cars were often painted in bold, contrasting colors, with high-gloss finishes and chrome detailing to accentuate their dramatic lines.
The interiors of these roadsters were crafted with the same attention to detail and luxury. Finely stitched leather, polished wood trim, bespoke dials, and a driver-focused layout made them not only beautiful but practical for spirited touring. Despite their visual extravagance, these cars were genuinely usable—capable of long journeys, rallies, or even competitive events. Owners often specified custom touches, including special upholstery patterns, personalized dashboard layouts, or matching fitted luggage.
Delahaye and Figoni & Falaschi unveiled several of these roadsters at European concours d’elegance during the late 1930s, where they captured public imagination and frequently took top honors. Their avant-garde designs were a celebration of luxury, freedom, and optimism during a period of rising political uncertainty in Europe. Some of these roadsters were even produced after World War II using pre-war chassis, giving them a unique place in post-war automotive history.
Only a handful of the Delahaye 135 M Figoni & Falaschi roadsters were ever built, and even fewer survive today. Each one is unique, shaped by the tastes of the original customer and the artistic vision of Giuseppe Figoni and Ovidio Falaschi. They are now prized museum pieces or cornerstone vehicles in elite private collections. Their value has soared in the collector market, with several examples selling for millions at auction, admired not only as cars but as masterpieces of industrial design and craftsmanship.
The Delahaye 135 M Roadster by Figoni & Falaschi remains an enduring symbol of 1930s French automotive elegance—where high performance met high fashion, and where a car was not simply a mode of transport, but a statement of beauty and power in perfect harmony.