In 1935, Delahaye launched its successful 3.5-liter 135 model. The 135 was met with instant success and transformed the somewhat staid image of the marque into something chic and elegant that appealed to the concours set. Mechanically, the 135 featured an independent front suspension, a Cotal gearbox, and center-lock wire wheels. Many of these mechanical features were based on Delahaye’s successful endurance racing variants of the 135, which were victorious at the Monte Carlo Rally and 24 Hours of Le Mans.

According to copies of original Chapron documents on file, this 135M was ordered new by Monsieur Ladoubled of Paris on February 3, 1948. Chassis 800726 was delivered to the workshop of carrosserie Henri Chapron on February 12, 1948.

Ladoubled specified the elegant coachbuilt coupe with lavender gray paintwork and metallic blue fender moldings. Walnut wood was crafted for the door cards and dashboard, and the 135 had a refined grille design, similar to those seen on sporting Vedette cabriolets. At some point, a set of three Solex downdraft carburetors were added to the 135, these would have been standard equipment for the higher-performance 135 MS.

Sam and Emily Mann recently purchased this beautiful Delahaye and added it to their incredible stable of fine automobiles. This is a beautifully proportioned example of Henri Chapron’s design language which can be used and enjoyed at both concours and vintage driving events worldwide.