Key features

• Complete engine rebuild and thorough mechanical restoration 
• Work carried out by Belcher Engineering in Norfolk (England), specialists in lightweight and competition Delahaye 135s 
• Owned by its current owner since 2014, with a history of rally participation in France 
• Previously stored for a very long period in the south of France, in a dry climate 
• Winner of concours d’élégance and exhibition awards under its previous owner 
  
  

What makes it unique

Acquired by its current owner in 2014, this Delahaye had previously spent many years in the south of France, where it won several concours d’élégance and exhibition prizes. Notably, it retains its original French Marchal lighting, its OS instruments, its polished wooden dashboard and the matching door trims; the car is described as being in excellent condition, both in terms of appearance and mechanical function. Offered for sale solely due to its owner’s advanced age, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire a 135 M that is in perfect mechanical condition and boasts a particularly interesting provenance.

History and documentation

• Right-hand drive (RHD) model, first registered in 1946 
• In the current owner’s possession since 2014 
• Previously stored for a very long period in the south of France, in a dry climate 
• Took part in club outings and won awards at concours d’élégance and exhibitions under its previous owner 
• Has taken part in numerous rallies in France during the current ownership; the seller states that it has always run perfectly, without incident 
• Work carried out by Belcher Engineering in Norfolk (UK), a recognised specialist in competition and lightweight Delahaye 135s 
• Always stored in an insulated garage 
• The odometer reads 39,994 kilometres 
• No MOT required

  

Condition

• The seller states that the car is not in ‘show-quality’ condition, but that it is in an excellent state of preservation 
• The underbody is described as clean and sound 
• Two-tone red bodywork with a very fine finish 
• Thick black leather interior, described as original 
• Polished wooden dashboard and matching door trims in superb condition 
• Original OS instruments, all reported to be in working order 
• Original electrical system and controls reported to be in perfect working order, with a circuit breaker and fire extinguisher fitted 
• Original French Marchal lighting retained 
  
  

The early post-war years were particularly difficult for the French motor industry, especially for manufacturers specialising in luxury cars. After several years of occupation, demand for this type of car was naturally very limited. It is therefore remarkable that models such as this Delahaye 135 M were produced, and even more so that they have survived to the present day. Whilst its styling may have seemed somewhat traditional at the time, today it appears timeless and elegant from every angle. The photographs show an example in a very fine state of preservation, having retained a high degree of authenticity as well as a particularly attractive patina.

The mechanics

• 3.6-litre (3,557 cm³) inline six-cylinder engine 
• Four-speed manual gearbox 
• Complete engine rebuild with new clutch 
• Gearbox, differential and other components checked and replaced where necessary 
• New exhaust system, brakes, wheels and tyres 
  
  

The seller describes this long-stroke engine as particularly torquey, perfectly suited to both long-distance rallies and long journeys. This Delahaye has, in fact, taken part in numerous events over the last few years and is said to have consistently demonstrated excellent reliability. Its complete mechanical restoration was entrusted to Belcher Engineering, regarded as one of the leading specialists in historic Delahayes – a mark of quality that will immediately appeal to connoisseurs of the make.