Description
The Delahaye 235 MS Coupé 2+2 by Chapron is one of the final and most refined expressions of French coachbuilt luxury from the early 1950s. As the last road-going model produced by Delahaye before the company ceased operations in 1954, the 235 represented a delicate balance between tradition and the pressures of a rapidly modernizing automotive world. The 2+2 Coupé variant, bodied by the celebrated coachbuilder Henri Chapron, stood out for its elegant proportions and understated sophistication.
The 235 MS was built on a modified version of the 135 MS chassis, a platform well known for its sporting credentials and grand touring capabilities. The engine was a 3.5-liter inline-six, delivering approximately 150 horsepower, depending on configuration. While not overtly aggressive, it offered a smooth and confident driving experience, aided by the use of Delahaye’s trademark Cotal pre-selector gearbox, which allowed for clutchless gear changes and was regarded as technically advanced for its time.
The Chapron-bodied 2+2 coupé was among the most graceful of the 235 variants. The design was conservative but harmonious, with a low-slung silhouette, a long bonnet, and gently tapering rear fenders. The roofline was designed to accommodate a modest rear seat, making it a true 2+2 grand tourer—usable for occasional passengers or additional luggage space. Chrome accents, discreetly integrated lighting, and subtle curves gave the car a timeless character, neither flashy nor dull.
Inside, the cabin was a showcase of French luxury craftsmanship. Fine leather upholstery, hand-polished wooden trim, and high-quality instrumentation gave the interior an air of bespoke exclusivity. As with most Chapron-bodied cars, customers could specify details according to their taste, and no two examples were quite identical.
Only a small number of 235s were produced, and even fewer were Chapron 2+2 coupés. Exact figures vary, but it’s estimated that fewer than 85 Delahaye 235s were built in total, and only a portion of those carried coupé bodies by Chapron. Their rarity today makes them highly desirable among collectors of postwar European luxury cars, especially those who value the tradition of hand-crafted coachwork.
The Delahaye 235 MS Coupé 2+2 by Chapron remains a symbol of a fading era, when motorcars were still assembled with artisanal care and when a few marques like Delahaye continued to pursue elegance over efficiency. It marks the graceful end of France’s grand tradition of luxury motoring before the industry gave way to more standardized, production-oriented practices.