Delahaye 135 MS 1947

History and background

The Delahaye 135 MS is among the best-known sporting models of the French Delahaye brand and was developed in the 1930s as a luxurious and technically advanced automobile. The type designation 135 was introduced in 1935 and grew to become one of the brand's most important models, both in civilian versions and in body styles made by specialized coachbuilders. The MS version stood for a version with a more powerful engine tuning within the 135 series, with which Delahaye focused on a combination of touring capabilities and performance.

After the war, the Delahaye 135 MS remained available in limited numbers and the chassis continued to be used for exclusive bodywork. In that segment, Swiss coachbuilder Worblaufen played a special role. Worblaufen built only six convertibles based on the Delahaye 135 MS. That makes the Delahaye 135 MS Worblaufen convertible a rare appearance within postwar French and Swiss coachbuilding. The combination of a French technical foundation and Swiss bodywork gave this car a distinct place within the upper segment of European automobile history.

This example is among the six cabriolets built by Worblaufen and is considered the finest of this series. The design of the nose differs from the other five Worblaufen convertibles built and contributes to the balanced appearance of this Delahaye 135 MS. In doing so, the car represents a specific and recognizable variant within an already very limited production.

Features and peculiarities


The Delahaye 135 MS has a side-hinged hood. Underneath is a 3557 cc six-cylinder in-line engine with overhead camshaft and three carburetors, mated to a Cotal gearbox. Power output is 132 hp. This technical combination fits the 135 series' reputation as a model with a refined powertrain and a construction that was among the more advanced solutions in its time.

The bodywork of this Delahaye 135 MS Worblaufen convertible is characterized by sporty lines, a backward-sloping grille and Art Deco influences. The color choice of the paint, the interior, the dashboard, the transparent three-spoke steering wheel and the transparently designed buttons also define the character of this car. The bodywork was repainted in the fall of 2015 and returned to its original off-white color. The interior is almost entirely fitted with the original leather.

The car was registered in Switzerland until 2014 and has had a Dutch license plate since March 2015. In 1998 the engine underwent an overhaul. In the documentation there are maintenance and restoration notes, original brochures, restoration photos and a factory statement showing that only six examples were built.

The interior is partly still equipped with original leather. The documentation also includes a statement from the Worblaufen archives, showing that only six examples of this convertible version were built. The car drives and shifts, but has hardly or not been driven for about ten years. Maintenance and technical overhaul are therefore required before the car is returned to regular use.

Summary


The 1947 Delahaye 135 MS Worblaufen convertible is a rare four-passenger convertible with an unusual body shape, a specific place within the limited Worblaufen production and a documented history. The combination of the 3557cc six-cylinder, Cotal gearbox, provenance and documentation makes this a particularly well-executed Delahaye 135 MS. To get a good idea of the lot, we recommend coming to the viewing day.