Description
The Delahaye 175 S was one of the most prestigious and striking luxury performance cars produced by the French manufacturer Delahaye in the post-World War II period. Introduced in 1949, the 175 S was a sportier, shorter-wheelbase version of the standard Delahaye 175 chassis. It was designed to recapture the glamour and technical excellence of France’s prewar luxury motoring tradition, and it stood at the apex of Delahaye’s offerings during the final years of the company’s independent existence.
At its core, the 175 S was powered by a robust 4.5-litre inline-six engine. This engine featured overhead valves and a cast-iron block, and was capable of delivering around 160 to 180 horsepower depending on configuration and tuning. The powertrain was paired with the advanced Cotal pre-selector gearbox, which allowed rapid and clutchless shifting through four forward gears. This combination gave the 175 S a top speed approaching 170 km/h (105 mph), which was highly competitive for a grand touring car of its era.
The “S” in the name denoted “Sport,” and the chassis reflected this intent. It had a shorter wheelbase than the standard 175, making it lighter and more agile, well-suited to sporting driving or participation in elite rally events and concours competitions. Despite its performance focus, it still retained the comfort and refinement expected of a high-end French luxury car.
What truly set the Delahaye 175 S apart was the bespoke bodywork crafted by the finest coachbuilders of the day. Firms such as Figoni & Falaschi, Saoutchik, and Chapron created dramatic, flowing bodies for the chassis, many of which became icons of French automotive artistry. Perhaps the most famous of these was the “Narval” body by Figoni & Falaschi, named for its resemblance to a narwhal with a pointed, sweeping prow and exaggerated curves. These designs embraced aerodynamic principles and a sculptural flair that turned the car into a piece of rolling haute couture.
The interior of the 175 S matched its outward elegance. Luxurious materials like leather, lacquered wood, and polished metal trim adorned the cabin. The seating was low and plush, and the dashboard featured precision instruments and artistic detailing. Though every coachbuilt car was different, the emphasis was always on comfort, style, and exclusivity.
The Delahaye 175 S was produced in very limited numbers—fewer than 50 chassis are believed to have been made—making it a rare and sought-after collectible today. Each car was essentially one-of-a-kind, with its own unique bodywork and interior specification. Despite the high cost of production and its exclusivity, the car could not reverse Delahaye’s financial struggles, and the company would cease production just a few years later.
Today, the Delahaye 175 S remains one of the most celebrated examples of postwar French luxury performance motoring. Its rarity, elegance, and association with the finest coachbuilders of the era make it a highlight of any concours field or classic car collection. Restored examples command high prices at auction and are cherished as symbols of a lost era of bespoke automotive craftsmanship.