Classic Car Wiki

Introduction to Delahaye

Delahaye was one of the most prestigious and influential car manufacturers in France, particularly known for its luxurious automobiles and grand touring cars in the 1930s and 1940s. Blending elegance with engineering excellence, Delahaye became synonymous with coachbuilt automotive artistry, technological refinement, and motorsport success. Although the company faded into history by the mid-20th century, its vehicles remain some of the most beautiful and collectible classic cars in existence.

Founding and Early Development

Emile Delahaye and the Beginnings

The Delahaye company was founded in 1894 by Emile Delahaye, a French engineer who had previously worked in the ceramics and metallurgy industries. He started producing internal combustion engines and quickly moved into automobile manufacturing from his factory in Tours, France.

Early Models

The company’s first car, produced in 1895, was a belt-driven, single-cylinder model that participated in some of the earliest motor races. Delahaye quickly gained attention for producing reliable, well-engineered vehicles. By the late 1890s, the company had moved to Paris and began building more advanced models using multi-cylinder engines.

Growth and Motorsport Engagement

Success in Racing

Delahaye recognized the importance of motorsport for brand visibility and product development. The company entered major races such as the 1896 Paris–Marseille–Paris and the 1900 Paris–Toulouse–Paris. These events helped cement Delahaye’s reputation as a manufacturer of durable and capable vehicles.

Introduction of the Type 32 and Type 44

In the 1910s, Delahaye introduced a number of successful models, including the Type 32 and the more commercially viable Type 44. These cars featured robust four-cylinder engines and were used both privately and commercially, especially by taxi companies in Paris.

World War I and Postwar Challenges

Military Production

Like many manufacturers, Delahaye shifted to wartime production during World War I. The company produced trucks, military vehicles, and engines for the French army. After the war, the company resumed civilian production, although competition and economic challenges proved difficult.

Revival with Charles Weiffenbach

In 1932, Charles Weiffenbach took over management and revitalized the company. He focused on creating high-quality, high-performance vehicles that would compete with luxury brands like Bugatti and Hispano-Suiza. His leadership transformed Delahaye into one of the most celebrated marques of the pre-war era.

The Golden Age: 1930s–1940s

Delahaye 135 Series

The most iconic Delahaye models were introduced in the mid-1930s, starting with the **Delahaye 135**, a sports-luxury model with a 3.2-liter straight-six engine. It was fast, stylish, and versatile—available as a touring car, cabriolet, or coupe. Later evolutions like the 135M and 135MS offered even more power and refinement.

Coachbuilt Masterpieces

What truly distinguished Delahaye cars was their collaboration with master coachbuilders. Companies like **Figoni et Falaschi**, **Chapron**, **Letourneur et Marchand**, and **Saoutchik** created stunning bespoke bodies on Delahaye chassis. These vehicles were rolling works of art, featuring aerodynamic lines, dramatic curves, and lavish interiors. The Delahaye 135MS with a Figoni et Falaschi “Teardrop” body is among the most collectible pre-war cars ever built.

Delahaye 145 and Racing Glory

The **Delahaye 145** was a race-bred machine designed to compete in Grand Prix and endurance events. Financed partly by the French government, the V12-powered 145 won the **1937 Grand Prix de Pau**, driven by René Dreyfus, beating dominant German competitors from Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union. This victory was not just sporting—it was symbolic of French national pride in the face of growing political tensions in Europe.

World War II and Occupation

Wartime Operations

During World War II, Delahaye once again shifted to military production. Under German occupation, the factory was ordered to produce vehicles for the Wehrmacht, although resistance and sabotage efforts by French workers hampered productivity. Car production for civilians was essentially halted during this time.

Preservation and Postwar Readjustment

After liberation in 1944, Delahaye resumed car production with models based on pre-war designs. The 135 and its derivatives were reintroduced with minor updates. These models still exuded elegance and performance, but they were increasingly out of step with the economic realities of postwar Europe.

Postwar Struggles and the End

New Models and Decline

Delahaye attempted to modernize with models like the **Delahaye 175**, **178**, and **180**, featuring new chassis and larger engines. These luxury cars retained the grandeur of the earlier models but were expensive to build and purchase. As Europe rebuilt, demand shifted to smaller, more affordable vehicles, and Delahaye’s high-end offerings were seen as extravagant.

Merger with Hotchkiss

In 1954, Delahaye merged with Hotchkiss, another French automaker. The merged company focused on commercial vehicles and military trucks, ending Delahaye’s production of luxury passenger cars. The final Delahaye car—a 235 Coupe—was produced in 1954, marking the end of an era.

Important Delahaye Models

Delahaye Type 135 (1935–1952)

Arguably the most iconic Delahaye, the Type 135 was a fast, elegant sports tourer. Available with custom coachwork, it became the darling of concours events and racing circuits alike.

Delahaye 135 MS (Modifiée Spéciale)

A higher-performance version of the 135, the 135 MS featured triple carburetors and was often bodied by Figoni et Falaschi. These cars are some of the most valuable French classics today.

Delahaye Type 145 (1937–1939)

A purpose-built racing machine, the 145 brought glory to France by defeating German rivals in key races. Its V12 engine was a technical marvel, and its rarity makes it extremely collectible.

Delahaye 175/178/180 Series (1948–1954)

These postwar luxury cars aimed to re-establish Delahaye as a leader in style and performance. With grand proportions and opulent interiors, they are seen as the swan song of the marque.

Legacy and Collectibility

Design Icons

Delahaye is remembered not just as a car manufacturer, but as a partner in the golden age of French automotive design. The cars that emerged from its partnership with Figoni et Falaschi, in particular, are regarded as among the most beautiful automobiles ever created.

Collectors and Concours d’Elegance

Today, Delahaye cars frequently appear at the world’s most prestigious concours events, such as **Pebble Beach**, **Villa d’Este**, and **Amelia Island**. Restored examples can fetch millions at auction. Their rarity, elegance, and coachbuilt prestige make them a crown jewel for any collector.

Museums and Preservation

Several Delahaye models are preserved in automotive museums including the **Musée National de l’Automobile (Schlumpf Collection)** in Mulhouse, France, and the **Petersen Automotive Museum** in Los Angeles. These institutions help keep the memory of Delahaye alive for future generations.

Conclusion

Delahaye’s story is one of innovation, artistry, and automotive passion. Rising from modest beginnings, the brand became a beacon of French luxury, elegance, and racing success. Its finest cars are as much sculptures as they are machines, and they continue to captivate enthusiasts and historians.

Though Delahaye ceased production decades ago, its spirit lives on in the timeless beauty of its creations. It remains a symbol of a golden era when cars were not only vehicles—but expressions of national pride, technological brilliance, and artistic vision.