The Delahaye 135 M Coach with a 115 horsepower engine represents a refined and versatile example of French motoring during the golden age of coachbuilt automobiles. Part of the wider 135 series introduced in the mid-1930s, the 135 M (Modifiée) offered improved performance and flexibility compared to the base model, making it a popular choice for bespoke bodywork by some of the finest coachbuilders in France.
This particular version of the 135 M was equipped with a 3.6-litre inline six-cylinder engine. With twin carburettors, it developed approximately 115 horsepower—a notable upgrade that provided smooth, confident performance and long-legged touring ability. Some variants could be fitted with a Cotal electromagnetic pre-selector gearbox, which enabled seamless gear changes with minimal driver effort. Together with the car’s advanced suspension—independent at the front and a live axle at the rear—the 135 M offered a blend of comfort and dynamism rare for its time.
The “Coach” body style typically referred to a two-door, fixed-roof configuration with a more upright profile than a fastback or coupé. This design was often chosen by buyers who valued comfort and interior space while still seeking elegant proportions. Depending on the builder—often Henri Chapron, Letourneur et Marchand, or Guilloré—the design could range from formal and reserved to subtly stylish, with sweeping fenders and delicately curved waistlines.
The exterior usually featured a long hood and gently sloping roofline leading into a compact but well-finished rear. The body was accented with discreet chrome trim, integrated running boards, and wire wheels or steel discs. Grilles were typically tall and narrow with vertical bars, while lighting fixtures were substantial, befitting a luxury touring car of the era.
Inside, the Coach offered a comfortable and stylish cabin trimmed in premium materials such as polished wood, leather, and mohair carpeting. The dashboard layout was simple but elegant, with white-on-black gauges and toggle switches in a symmetrical arrangement. Seating was generous for two or three passengers, with a focus on ride comfort and visibility.
While not as flamboyant or aggressively tuned as the 135 MS competition cars, the 115 HP 135 M Coach was still capable of impressive performance for a road-going luxury vehicle. It could cruise at sustained high speeds and tackle winding country roads with surprising agility, making it ideal for the sort of long, scenic drives favored by pre- and post-war grand tourers.
Today, surviving examples of the Delahaye 135 M Coach with 115 horsepower are valued for their craftsmanship, understated elegance, and connection to a golden era of French coachbuilding. They are often found in concours events and prestigious collections, representing a time when the automobile was as much an artistic statement as a means of transportation.