After the first three glorious decades of the French automobile manufacturer Delahaye in the 20th century, the brand went through some difficulties and sought, by all means, to rise again with a creation of great relevance. This is how the 135 Competition was born, a model that combined a powerful six-cylinder engine with a sporty chassis.
It was manufactured between 1936 and 1938, years in which 453 units saw the light. Despite its short production run and low number of copies, the model was one of Delahaye’s most successful cars, not only in terms of sales but also in terms of sporting achievements. There were two chassis available, one with a 2.7-meter wheelbase and another, longer, with a wheelbase of 2.95 meters (the latter more suitable for racing).
Little by little, once the hard years of the Second World War (1939-1945) had passed, the manufacturer returned to its splendor and continued to compete with models like this one, which continued to offer a high level despite being a good number of years old. of trajectory. In this regard, it should be noted that the 135 Competition featured in this article, manufactured at the beginning of 1936, participated in numerous races with more than reasonable results.
In 1949, this car ran the Monte Carlo Rally and, despite 13 years having passed since it was manufactured, it achieved a remarkable sixth place with the French Guy Mairesse and Paul Valle at the controls. To assess this position, it must be taken into account that 227 cars participated in that race and only 166 managed to finish it.
The vehicle was powered by a 3.6-liter engine that delivered a power of 120 hp at 4,200 rpm and thanks to which a maximum speed of 155 km/h could be reached. Associated with the engine was a four-speed gearbox. It should be noted that it was not only the mechanics that were built with the racing spirit of the car in mind. And it is that, first the chassis, engine and transmission assembly was manufactured and, separately, the bodywork was developed.
Delahaye used up to a dozen different body suppliers over the years the 135 Competition was produced. This variety used, added to the preferences of each of the customers who purchased the manufactured units, make each copy of this magnificent classic car practically unique.
Specifically, the unit in the photographs is equipped with an elegant body that has a soft top that allows driving in convertible mode if the driver so wishes. It should not be overlooked that it integrates a new folding system for the time, which hides the roof behind the seats and which was patented by the body manufacturer Figoni et Falaschi.
Throughout its history, this unit has changed owners on several occasions and, in recent decades, has received two extensive restorations.
Its history, its racing past and its state of preservation have led to this spectacular vehicle being valued at no less than 11 million euros. If you are interested in appreciating it in greater detail, you just have to take a look at the video that accompanies this article.
