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
The Delahaye 135 M is one of the most famous French grand tourers of the immediate post-war period, renowned for its prestigious racing record, its elegant bodywork and its sophisticated straight-six engine. With its 3,557 cm³ long-stroke six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual gearbox and a chassis developed on the circuits of La Sarthe (Le Mans) and during the Monte Carlo Rally, the 135 M offered performance and refinement capable of rivalling the most prestigious British and Italian models of its era. Today, these cars are highly sought-after and rarely appear on the market.
This 1946 example is presented in an elegant two-tone red livery, paired with a black leather interior. It has undergone a complete mechanical restoration, including a rebuild of the engine with a new clutch, and the replacement of the gearbox, differential, exhaust system, brakes, wheels and tyres. This work was carried out or supervised by Belcher Engineering in Norfolk as well as help and advise from 135 racing experts, a recognised authority on competition-spec Delahaye 135s and lightweight versions.
The seller describes this Delahaye as a pleasure to drive, lively and with light steering, whilst offering real potential for long journeys. These qualities have been demonstrated during numerous rallies in France whilst under the current owner’s care, during which the car is said to have always performed perfectly, without the slightest issue.
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.image.png1.85 MB
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
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.image.png1.35 MB
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.image.png1.32 MB
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to Car & Classic’s terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights under European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s terms and conditions.
✓ We require a non-refundable fee to be paid if you are the successful bidder or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is sold ‘as is’, on an ‘as seen, where seen’ basis and without warranty. Photographs and descriptions are provided for guidance only, and it is standard practice to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer’s deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final price of the bid or offer, as specified in the listing.
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✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written-off following a total loss at the time the advert is placed on Car & Classic, and we provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to assist you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status, and it is always advisable to carry out a full check of the vehicle’s history before making an offer.
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