Delahaye 135M (1948)

1938 Delahaye 135M Roadster.

Made in Tours France.

Delahaye began building cars in 1894. The design of the cars was heavily influenced by auto racing. Emile Delahaye raced several of the cars himself. Before his death in 1905, Emile Delahaye turned the company over to his two business partners. The company continued until 1956 when it was forced to close due to financial difficulties.

The M135 was produced from 1935 to 1952 (production was ceased during WWII) for a total of around 2000 cars. The Roadster was the most rarest of the M135 model. Only eleven 135M Roadsters were built with seven are still in existence today. A similar Delahaye 135M Roadster recently sold for $6.6 million dollars.

The body of the Delahaye 135M Roadster was built from aluminum. The car has a 3.6L, in-line, 6-cylinder motor capable of 125HP. Top speed is 80 MPH.

This Delahaye was one of three M135's which were discovered in India in a state of disrepair. All three cars were shipped to England where they were fully restored. In 2012. the car won 'Best in Show' at the Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach.