Description
The Delahaye 135 MS Cabriolet by Henri Chapron represents one of the most refined and luxurious expressions of French automotive craftsmanship from the pre- and post-war era. Chapron, based in Levallois-Perret near Paris, was one of the most prestigious coachbuilders in France and known for his elegance, conservative sophistication, and attention to detail. His interpretation of the Delahaye 135 MS chassis resulted in a series of cabriolets that combined performance with a dignified and balanced design language.
The 135 MS (Modifiée Spéciale) was introduced in the late 1930s and remained in production into the early 1950s. It was the most powerful variant in the Delahaye 135 series, fitted with a 3.6-litre inline-six engine capable of delivering between 120 and 145 horsepower depending on its carburetion setup—usually two or three Solex carburettors. It featured an advanced suspension layout with independent front suspension and live rear axle, paired with either a standard manual transmission or the sophisticated Cotal electromagnetic pre-selector gearbox, which allowed seamless, clutchless gear changes.
Chapron’s cabriolet design on the 135 MS was more restrained than the dramatic, aerodynamic creations of Figoni & Falaschi but no less elegant. The proportions were carefully balanced: long front fenders, a gently curved beltline, and a short rear deck with integrated fender spats over the rear wheels. The windshield was often raked slightly to enhance the sense of motion, and a prominent but gracefully formed grille marked the front. Chrome was used tastefully—highlighting the car’s lines rather than overpowering them.
The body was crafted in steel or aluminum, depending on the commission, and the convertible top was designed to fold neatly behind the passenger compartment without interrupting the car’s silhouette. The result was a cabriolet that looked dignified with the roof up and effortlessly graceful with it lowered.
The interior was tailored to the client’s specifications, typically featuring hand-stitched leather upholstery, rich wood veneer dashboards, and high-quality trim throughout. Every switch and dial was selected for both form and function. Seating arrangements varied, but most Chapron cabriolets offered seating for two or four passengers in generous comfort.
The driving experience matched the car’s elegant appearance. The engine delivered smooth and responsive power, especially when fitted with the triple-carburettor setup. The Cotal gearbox made town driving surprisingly easy and enjoyable for such a substantial vehicle. The chassis and suspension gave the car a composed ride and good cornering capabilities, while the hydraulic brakes provided reliable stopping power for long journeys or mountainous routes.
Today, the Delahaye 135 MS Cabriolet by Chapron is considered a significant example of French coachbuilt luxury. Rarer than mass-produced sports cars of the era and often preserved with great care, these vehicles are frequent highlights at concours events and highly prized by collectors. They offer not only the beauty and performance of a grand tourer, but also a tangible link to a time when automobiles were designed and built as individual expressions of mechanical artistry.