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1939 Delahaye Type 165.
Delehaye was the automobile manufacturer from France that defined the art deco cars of the late 1920s to World War II. Established in 1894, the company had a very successful run until France’s economic landscape swallowed up the higher end car companies. Unable to complete in the marketplace, Delahaye merged with their chief competition, Hotchkiss. Months later, Delehaye closed their doors and by 1955, Hotchkiss and Delahaye were both gone.
1937 Delahaye Type 145.
The company left many examples of their racecars and luxury cars for us to enjoy today. The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles has several examples, dating from the 1937 year through the post war 1953 model. Delahaye was responsible for bringing twin-cam multi-valve engines, and the V6 configuration, along with other patented automotive innovations, into the automotive world.
When you visit the Peteresen Museum, here are the Delahaye models currently on display in the Mullin Gallery on the first floor:
This Delahaye, chassis number 8773, was first an exotic V-12 racecar that was built for endurance and speed. The original aluminum coachwork was utilitarian and devoid of anything non-aerodynamic that could reduce its speed.
After much racing success, it was sent to Henri Chapron to be re-bodied as a road-going coupé in 1946. It was not unusual for racing cars to be re-bodied for street use when they were no longer competitive on the track. Performance and function blended together to make a great touring machine.
1937 Delage D8-120 Coupe Aerosport:
Delage was purchased by Delahaye in 1935 and the effect on styling by Delahaye was felt almost immediately. The D8 Aerosport was designed by Letourneur et Marchand of Paris, and featured pillarless “hardtop” styling and a fin on the trunk.
1937 Delage D8-120.
The styling was so highly regarded that an Aerosport was one of a pair of Delages chosen to represent the French government at the automotive display at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. Discovered in a barn in France during the early 1990s, this Delage received a meticulous restoration and is painted its original colors.
1938 Delahaye Type 135M.
1938 Delahaye Type 135M:
French coachbuilder Joseph Figoni first sculpted the streamlined arc known as the “French curve” on a Delahaye Type 135.
Indicative of the period’s fascination with flight, aspects of the Type 135’s design were inspired by aviation, including the fender shape, which mirrors the pontoon covers of the landing gear on René Couzinet’s “Rainbow” plane. One of eleven similar cars built between 1936 and 1939, it is one of three surviving that were built on the standard wheelbase.
1939 Delahaye Type 165.
1939 Delahaye Type 165:
The Delahaye Type 165 was chosen to represent France at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, whose theme showcased the leading technology of the era. The Delahaye featured extravagant coachwork by Figoni et Falaschi, complete with fender skirts on all four wheels and a rumble seat.
The bright red cabriolet embodies Figoni’s patented teardrop curves and chrome accents. A Bugatti Type 57C was bodied by Vanvooren in a virtually identical style.
1953 Delahaye Type 178:
Delahayes were considered some of the most sophisticated automobiles of the immediate post-war era. The Type 178 was powered by a triple-carburetor, six-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed electro-mechanical transmission that allowed the driver to shift without using the clutch.
1958 Delahaye Type 178.
To attract American buyers, the Delahaye Types 175, 178, and 180 came with left-hand drive. This striking cabriolet was awarded Best of Show at the prestigious Meadow Brook Hall Concours d’Elegance in 2000.
