News & Features March 12, 2007, 1:31PM EST

True Bleue Delahaye

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1936 Delahaye Type 135 Special

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The SCM Analysis

This car sold for $1,320,000 at RM's Phoenix, Arizona, sale, January 19, 2007.

The reputation of Delahaye in the years leading up to World War II was outstanding. The company produced cars with powerful engines and strong, low-slung chassis with front independent suspension, in many ways more modern than contemporary Bugattis and the equal of the super sport 6C Alfa Romeos. The leading French coachbuilders created stunning bodies for the road cars, most notable being the teardrop coupes of Figoni et Falaschi.

Delahaye had an enviable record in competition, although it must be said that like Alfa Romeo, most of the successes in the 1930s came when the all-conquering Germans either didn't show up or had a rare problem. After the war, of course things were rather easier for the French and Italian marques.

AN ADAPTATION OF A ROAD CAR

The Type 135 Special was the main source of this reputation in the years leading up to WWII, as its successor, the V12 Type 145, was barely developed by the time war broke out. Like most pre-war French competition cars, it was not a purpose-built vehicle, but rather an adaptation of the road version. This car continued to do well after the war as well, even after its French engine was swapped for the Chevy. The "original" engine, however, remained with the car and was rebuilt with parts from three others in its first restoration in the 1970s.

Although the Type 135 Special was created for grand prix circuit racing as well as long-distance road racing, the realities of today's vintage race fields seem to dictate that the best use might not be on circuits. Running in race groups with far smaller and more nimble grand prix cars, the Type 135 would be a handful.

However, in vintage rallies such as the Mille Miglia Storica and other European and U.S. rallies, the car would be fun. The reliability of the sturdy, torquey ex-truck engine and the quick changes the Cotal pre-selector gearbox allows make the Type 135 a much less stressful drive than many of its contemporaries. SCMer Sam Mann, who has campaigned a 1937 Delahaye 135 MSC in vintage races, says "It always starts, always runs well, and always finishes. It's utterly reliable."

The history of chassis 47189 as stated in the catalog raises a great challenge in the valuation. Although the conversation is best led by my SCM colleague Thor Thorson, there is no doubt race cars are at their heart "tools" andmuch like George Washington's legendary axerequire enthusiasm, dedication, and compromise to keep them racing. In the heat of battle, keeping detailed records is hardly first on any team member's list.

LITTLE DOUBT IT'S A FACTORY TEAM CAR

There is little doubt that 47189 was a Delahaye factory team car, was sold to Ecurie Bleue, and has an engine block with the original number. However, beyond one fairly minor race, no documentation exists as to its actual track record. The background is full of tantalizing "maybes" involving Dreyfus and other noted drivers and races. The fact that the body is new and the engine has been built up from the parts of many is not really a problem for a "tool."

It is not uncommon for a manufacturer to have replaced worn engines or to have done major repairs or replacement of bodies if the car was used as intended. As long as the block, head and ancillaries are of the proper year and type and the chassis has most of its original components, all should be fine.

The known history alone, along with the model's impressive racing record, the beauty of the design and the quality of the restoration make this car worth the price achieved. It remains a first-class ticket to any historic event in the world.

Years Produced: 1936

Number Produced: 14

Original List Price: N/A

SCM Valuation: $800k$1.25m (at time of print)

Tune-up Cost: $1,200$1,500

Distributor Caps: $50$100

Chassis #: 47189

Chassis # Location: Stamped on frame rail on left side; also on chassis plate

Engine # Location: Tag on left front of engine; casting number on lower left block

Club Info: Club Delahaye President Philippe Looten, Rue A. Carrel, B.P. 15 59944 Dunkerque, Cedex 2, France

Web Site: http://www.clubdelahaye.com

Alternatives: 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C, 1938 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS, 193439 Bugatti Type 57