Delahaye 135 Torpedo
‘The 135 Torpedo isn’t just a car; it’s what happens when an artist, a racing driver, and a couturier walk into a bar.’
French Art Deco styling, with coachwork by esteemed French builders like Figoni et Falaschi, features flowing and curvaceous designs that embody the era’s elegance.
The ‘Torpedo body’ style featured a sleek, open-top design with long, low lines, exuding a dynamic and graceful appearance, even when stationary.
Custom coachbuilding allowed wealthy clients to commission bespoke bodies, creating unique variations on each car and highlighting the luxury of individual craftsmanship.
Based on a design by the artist Geo Ham, Figoni produced just eleven of these Torpedo Cabriolets on the Compétition Court chassis.
The design featured flowing lines, enclosed wire wheels, and a striking rear fin. It also featured some of the finest two-tone paint schemes ever applied to a car.
Inside, the car boasted a plush interior with exquisite woodwork and an intricately designed dashboard adorned with colour-matched O.M. gauges.
A disappearing soft top was concealed cleverly beneath a hinged body panel, offering space for a spare wheel and modest storage.
Initially debuted at the 1936 Paris Motor Show, these cars were Delahaye’s top models, attracting attention for their style and craftsmanship.
After the Paris show, a legal dispute arose between Figoni and Geo Ham over the design, resulting in an agreement that led to some cars bearing a Geo Ham plaque.
A 3.6-litre straight-six engine powered it.
Capable of reaching speeds of 100 mph, the car balanced luxury with a race-worthy performance, making it agile and fast for its time.
It was equipped with advanced independent front suspension, offering superior handling and ride comfort compared to many contemporaries.
The Delahaye 135 had a successful racing pedigree, participating in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monte Carlo Rally.
A favourite among wealthy private racers of the 1930s, its combination of style and performance made it a popular choice for gentlemen racers.
An iconic pre-war French luxury car, the Delahaye 135 represented the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship, blending elegance with advanced engineering.
Hand-built in limited numbers, each Delahaye was unique due to the bespoke nature of the coachbuilding process, making it highly sought-after today.
The 1937 Delahaye 135 Torpedo remains a shining symbol of the golden age of automotive luxury, combining art, speed, and craftsmanship into one magnificent package.
‘Driving the Delahaye 135 is a bit like drinking champagne in a silk dressing gown—utterly unnecessary but absolutely marvellous’
