Description
The Delahaye 135 MS Coupé by Pourtout, featuring an aerodynamic design, is one of the finest examples of French Art Deco automotive expression. Melding performance with stylistic innovation, it represents the collaborative genius between Delahaye’s sporting chassis and the avant-garde vision of Marcel Pourtout, with design often attributed to Georges Paulin, the innovative stylist and dentist-turned-car-designer who helped define streamlined luxury.
The 135 MS (Modifiée Spéciale) was the most performance-focused version of the Delahaye 135 series. Under the long bonnet lay a 3.6-litre inline-six engine, which in the MS configuration could be fitted with three Solex carburettors, raising output to around 135 horsepower. This allowed the car to reach speeds well above 90 mph, a remarkable figure for a road-going luxury coupé of the late 1930s. It also featured a competition-grade suspension setup and a Cotal pre-selector gearbox, which allowed near-instantaneous gear changes via a small selector lever.
Pourtout’s aerodynamic coupé coachwork was one of the most progressive and visually compelling designs of its era. The body featured clean, flowing lines that reduced wind resistance and improved high-speed stability. The front end was typically rounded, with enclosed or faired-in headlights, a narrow and sloped grille, and smoothly integrated fenders that curved into the doors and body panels. The bonnet often featured chrome accent strips running lengthwise to enhance the sense of speed and direction.
The roofline swept gently into the rear, forming a teardrop profile when viewed from the side. Rear wheel spats and skirted arches completed the sleek silhouette, and some versions included a “fastback” taper or small rear deck to further streamline the form. The overall visual effect was both sporty and dignified—more futuristic than many of its contemporaries, yet unmistakably French in its elegance.
The cabin of the 135 MS Coupé Pourtout was designed for both driver engagement and passenger comfort. Materials included rich leather upholstery, lacquered wood trim, and elegant metal detailing. The dashboard housed neatly arranged dials and controls, and the interior finish was to a level expected from a hand-built, high-performance grand tourer. Seating was typically 2+2, although some versions were configured strictly as two-seaters for a more sporting layout.
While several Pourtout-bodied Delahayes were one-off commissions, some followed a common design language that became emblematic of streamlined luxury in the late 1930s. Georges Paulin’s influence was especially evident in the integrated design of components—grille, wings, roof, and tail all blended into a cohesive aerodynamic unit, free from excess ornamentation but rich in detail and proportion.
The aerodynamic 135 MS Coupé was not only beautiful but also functional. The car’s shape reduced drag, improved performance, and contributed to its success in both sporting and touring contexts. While not as common on the race track as open-bodied variants, these coupés were often used in long-distance rallies or high-speed road trials.
Today, the Delahaye 135 MS Coupé Pourtout Aerodynamic is revered as one of the high points of French coachbuilding and engineering. Surviving examples are rare and command significant attention at concours events and in elite private collections. They embody a moment in automotive history when form and function were merged through craftsmanship, artistry, and engineering into something truly timeless.