1936 Delahaye 135 Competition Court Figoni & Falaschi Coupe
With the global economic depression barely over, Delahaye ventured into new, more exclusive grounds in 1934. The plan was to relive the glory years of the teens and twenties and to shed the dependable and somewhat boring image built up in the early 1930s. A first major step in that direction was the introduction of the six cylinder engined Type 138 in 1934, which was considerably more luxurious than the Delahayes offered in the previous years. More important for the company’s legacy was the launch a year later of the Type 135 Sport that shared the six cylinder engine with the 138, but featured a much sportier chassis.
A larger-displacement (3,557 cc) 135M was introduced in 1936. Largely the same as the regular 135, the new engine offered 90, 105, or 115hp with either one, two, or three carburetors. As with the 135/138, a less sporty, longer wheelbase version was also built, called the 148. The 148 had a 3,150 mm wheelbase, or 3,350 mm in a seven-seater version. On the two shorter wheelbases, a 134N was also available, with a 2,150 cc four-cylinder version of the 3.2-litre six from the 135. Along with a brief return of the 134, production of 148, 135M, and 135MS models was resumed after the end of the war.
While the car’s mechanical systems were being rebuilt, the wood framework was refurbished to Figoni et Falaschi’s exacting standards, and the body was refinished in its magnificent black paint and rich chromed trim. The gorgeous interior is likewise worthy of the Figoni et Falaschi legacy, a luxurious mixture of supple biege leather upholstery with quill ostrich inserts, hand-sculpted and mirror-polished wood trim, an elegant engine-turned dash panel and blue-faced gauges and tachometer.
This Delahaye 135 Competition Court was bodied by Figoni & Falaschi with what is generally considered the first of Joseph Figoni’s coupe designs. It was ordered by Mr. Jeancart, whose name would later in the decade also be associated with a Talbot Lago teardrop style. There are hardly any straight lines on the short, stocky design that stands out by the fully enclosed front and back. Other striking features are the split rear window and sun roof. The stunning design was well received and won the Grand Prix during the Cannes Concours d’Elegance.
After the War, it resurfaced in the United States where it changed hands various times and used on the road regularly. In the 1980s the unique coupe received a ground up restoration from Hill & Vaugn in California, who finished the car in a two tone blue paint scheme. In this configuration, it won best in class at Pebble Beach. After being acquired a few years ago by its current owner, it received a second restoration; now to its correct black livery and with its original engine. In this form, this most important Figoni & Falaschi Delahaye is seen here at the 2005 Meadow Brook and 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
A superlative machine built with great care and precision and restored to its original splendor, this 1936 Delahaye Type 135 “Competition Court” Teardrop Coupe is one of Giuseppe Figoni’s finest creations, a genuine masterpiece born of race-proven engineering coupled with the peerless vision of a master of the art of coachbuilding.
