Description
The Delahaye 135 MS Cabriolet bodied by Graber represents a rare and elegant convergence of French engineering and Swiss coachbuilding. The 135 MS (Modifiée Spéciale) was Delahaye’s ultimate development of its sporting grand touring chassis before World War II and into the early postwar years, and when combined with Hermann Graber’s refined design sensibility, the result was a restrained yet sophisticated open car of exceptional quality.
Graber, based in Wichtrach, Switzerland, had a reputation for building clean, conservative, and well-proportioned bodies, often distinguished by their precise detailing and subtle curves. Unlike some of the more flamboyant French coachbuilders like Figoni & Falaschi, Graber’s designs emphasized harmony over extravagance. His work on the Delahaye 135 MS is a prime example of that philosophy—dignified, elegant, and perfectly proportioned.
The 135 MS chassis was powered by a 3.6-litre inline-six engine. Depending on configuration, particularly the number of carburettors (usually two or three), output ranged from around 120 to 145 horsepower. The car’s performance was lively for the period, aided by relatively lightweight construction and a responsive four-speed Cotal pre-selector gearbox, which offered smooth, clutchless gear changes via an electromagnetic control.
Graber’s cabriolet design for the 135 MS typically featured a long bonnet, sweeping front fenders, and a gently tapering rear end. The folding canvas top was tight-fitting and unobtrusive when lowered, preserving the car’s clean side profile. Chrome was used sparingly—around the grille, window surrounds, and bumpers—never overwhelming the form but adding to the sense of refined luxury. The car usually rode on large wire wheels with chrome knock-offs, enhancing its grand touring stance.
The interior of the Graber-bodied 135 MS was every bit as thoughtful as its exterior. Graber was known for precision in finishing, and the cabin would typically be trimmed in the finest leather and wood veneers. The dashboard featured a symmetrical arrangement of gauges, switchgear, and often a large steering wheel with a thin rim and chrome spokes. Seating for two or four was available depending on the owner’s specification, with excellent visibility and comfort provided for open-air touring.
Driving the Delahaye 135 MS Cabriolet by Graber was a rewarding experience. The car offered a well-balanced chassis with independent front suspension, good brakes for the era, and a smooth, torquey power delivery. While not intended as an outright sports car, it was capable of spirited driving and long-distance touring with ease.
Production numbers for Graber-bodied Delahayes were very low. Each was custom-ordered and built to the client’s taste, making them extremely rare and sought after today. Their understated beauty and superb craftsmanship have led collectors and concours judges alike to view them as exemplars of European design harmony.
The Delahaye 135 MS Cabriolet Graber is not just a luxurious touring car but a quiet masterpiece—a car that combines the best of French mechanical innovation with Swiss aesthetic restraint and hand-built quality. It remains a lasting tribute to an era when automobiles were truly individualized works of art.