The 1937 Delahaye 135M S Roadster

At first glance this Delahaye 135M might seem to be merely a topless version of the Delahaye coupe (chassis number 46756). And, in some respects it is, in that it is built on a competition Delahaye chassis, and was styled and bodied by Figoni & Falaschi. It repeated many of the chrome styling accents that had worked so well on the coupe.

Delahaye 135M S roadster was built for the 1937 Paris Auto Salon (the coupe debuted there in 1936) and featured several new features that Figoni and Falaschi subsequently patented. These included the front fender design; the crank-down windshield and folding convertible top, which disappeared into the body; and seats with a light, tubular construction that were suitable for competition.

Other significant highlights included a centrally mounted front headlight and red leather interior appointments and matching carpets provided by Hermès, the French luxury goods purveyor.

Like chassis number 46756, The Delahaye 135M S Roadster has quite a history to tell. First, it was purchased by the Brazilian ambassador to France. Who returned the car to F&F to have the central headlight removed and to add bumpers.

After World War II began, the car was sold to a Frenchman, who attempted to hide it. He was unsuccessful, but fortunately that was not the end for this beautiful roadster.

An Italian officer spirited the car away to Italy, where it turned up again in 1947. This classic car was returned to Figoni’s workshop, where it was restored.

The Delahaye 135M passed through two more owners in France, and was painted blue, before it was sold to current owner Miles Collier of Naples, Florida, in 2001. At that point it had been driven less than 5,000 miles, but its age dictated a mechanical refresh and a repaint. It remains in the Collier Collection today.

Delahaye 135M

Delahaye 135M Specifications

Chassis Number : 48563
Engine : Cast-iron straight six, two OHV per cylinder, 220ci/3.6 liters
Power : 120 bhp at 4,200 rpm
Carburetors : Three Solex 40s
Transmission : Four-speed manual
Wheelbase : 106.3 inches/279cm