1938 | Delahaye 135 MS Figoni & Falaschi

Delahaye 135M with chassis no. 49165 was completed by the coachbuilder Figoni et Falaschi on March 3, 1938 with body number 682.

Figoni et Falaschi was France's most exclusive and famous coachbuilder from 1935 to 1955. The company was based in Boulogne-sur-Seine France.

To quote Jean-Paul Tissot, author of Delahaye: La belle Carroserie Francaise” :

 “During the years 1938 and 1939, Atelier Figoni and Falaschi produced several convertibles and coupes on the 135 chassis. Each time, the design centered around an aerodynamic and aestethic beauty”

Model 135.

Model 135 with a lower chassis and a more powerful engine was first introduced at the Paris Auto Show in 1935 and completed the top of the range for Delahaye.

According to the catalogue of the time “the car of the elite is born”   

In 1936 a special order model, Model 135C (Competition) was introduced and soon proved itself with many victories including at Le Mans.

With the introduction of the 135M (Modifie) in 1938 much of the development work from the 135 Competition benefitted this model, among them the optional fitment of three Solex carburettors giving an additional 20HP.

Ch. 49165.

Delahaye 135M Ch. 49165 was indeed ordered with the optional three Solex carburettors giving a total output of 115HP from the 3557cc inline six engine.

Upon completion in March 1938, Ch. 49165 was sold to Mr. Enrique De la Maria in Uruguay. The car was used by De La Maria until the mid-1950s when it was parked in the family garage.

It stayed hidden in the family garage up until the early 1990s, when Ch. 49165 was re-discovered and eventually sold to France where a thorough restoration was begun.

Many years later, in 2022, the restoration was finally completed with its current owner, an avid collector of pre-war french cars who has a well equipped in-house workshop and restoration facility. Delahaye 135M Ch. 49165 was restored with input and guidance from an experienced Villa d’Este concours judge.

The entire restoration process is extensively documented and the Delahaye now presents itself in stunning, ready to show condition.

Delahaye 135M Ch. 49165 is registered for the road with current Danish (EU) registration document.