1948 Delahaye 135M

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In 1935 Delahaye decided it was time to become more sporting. The marque was already building highly capable automobiles, but with the introduction of the 135 everything changed. A lower chassis, a more powerful inline six cylinder, and suddenly there was a car that offered not only luxury, but real performance. It was no coincidence that it earned the nickname Coupe des Alpes after its successes in rallies and endurance racing. Le Mans. Won. Monte Carlo. Won. That tells you everything.

The 135M, with the M standing for Modifié, came equipped with the larger 3.557 cc inline six cylinder. Depending on carburetor configuration, output reached approximately 115 horsepower. By modern standards that sounds modest, but in an era of open roads and little traffic, it was seriously quick. Four speeds, rear wheel drive, a long wheelbase, and independent front suspension created a remarkably pleasant driving configuration.

But a Delahaye is about more than engineering alone. The chassis was delivered to the finest coachbuilders in France. And if you truly wanted to make an impression in that era, you went to Figone and Falaschi.

What they created was not a standard convertible. This was Art Deco in motion. A striking body with flowing fenders and subtle chrome accents. Everything feels cohesive. Never excessive, yet unmistakably expressive.

The example offered here is a 1948 Delahaye 135M Figone and Falaschi Cabriolet. One of nine known surviving examples out of the eighteen originally produced. That is not merely rare. It is exceptional.

This Delahaye has undergone restoration and mechanical refurbishment to concours standards. Every detail executed correctly. Panel fit, paint finish, and interior detailing are completed to a very high level. And importantly, matching numbers. Engine and chassis belong together. This is therefore an exceptionally high quality and above all rare example.

With roughly 2,000 model 135 cars built over a production span of nearly twenty years, the foundation is already exclusive. But a Figone and Falaschi sits at the very top. Only eighteen were produced and according to specialists nine examples are known to survive today, this being one of them.

This is not a car you buy to store away and never touch. This Delahaye is ideally suited for major concours events. And that is exactly where this example belongs, because it is truly magnificent.

A 1948 Delahaye 135M Figone and Falaschi Cabriolet. Concours restored. Matching numbers. One of nine. An extraordinary automobile for which words hardly do justice.
If you are interested, contact Gallery Aaldering and discover this Delahaye for yourself. We export our vehicles worldwide. Ask us about the possibilities.