“1938” – Delahaye 135 S Le Mans FIA (R), Chassis No. 800775 French

“A well-known and high-performance restoration, equally at home on the racetrack as it is on the road” The Delahaye 135 is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of French motoring from the 1930s, on a par with the Bugatti Type 57. Just before the Second World War, in order to make its mark beyond the realm of concours d’élégance, the Parisian firm built 16 examples intended for competition. These 16 Delahaye 135 Spécial models complied with the ACF’s new regulations for ‘Sport’ events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where they excelled, eventually winning the legendary Le Mans race in 1938. They also distinguished themselves in Grand Prix racing and rallies, notably at Monte Carlo and the Mille Miglia… The 135 S Compétition differed from the road-going versions notably in its short chassis (2.70 m wheelbase) and its engine, a particularly high-performance MS version. It also featured narrow track widths, a ‘heavy-duty’ Cotal electromagnetic gearbox and a long rear axle. This Delahaye 135 ‘Le Mans’ was rebuilt in the 2010s, over a period of eight years, from a wreck used for spare parts, with its chassis brought up to competition specifications. The engine was also converted with a modified cylinder head, 235-spec intake manifolds and carburettors, and a regulation exhaust manifold, all mated to a bespoke bell housing capable of accommodating a fully synchronised, modern 4-speed gearbox. The bodywork, made of steel on a steel frame, was built in the early 1980s and fitted to an initial reconstruction, which has since been replaced with an aluminium body. The car, duly registered in France with a vehicle registration document specifying Type 135MSA, 3-seater, year 1949, holds an FIA Historic Technical Passport (PTH) valid until December 2033, allowing it to compete in historic races. It has also just undergone a complete overhaul of the front suspension (axles and bushings). This stunning reconstruction of a Delahaye Le Mans model took part in Le Mans Classic in 2023 and 2025, driven by the Aguttes team, and in several other events including the Normandy Beach Race and the Journées d’Automne. With performance comparable to that of a Jaguar XK 120, for example, it will delight its next owner, who will be eligible to compete in the finest historic rallies and races on the calendar.

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