Delahaye 235MS Drophead Coupe by Marchand
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Car producer : |
Delahaye |
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Model: |
235MS Drophead Coupe by Marchand |
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Year: |
1951-1954 |
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Type: |
Cabriolet |
Delahaye 235 is a luxury car built by French manufacturer Delahaye from 1951 until 1954.
Presented at the 1951 Paris Auto Salon. Delahaye did need a boost, as combined production of the Types 135 and 175 (and long wheelbase 178/180) had dropped to an abysmal 77 by 1951. Most noticeable was the new modern ponton-style bodywork, with the full width front designed by chief designer Philippe Charbonneaux. The mechanics were credited to Fernand Lacour. The prototypes body was manufactured by Motto in Italy, and a total of 84 Types 235 were built. The 235 was originally sold only in chassis form and received bodywork from various coachbuilders, mainly Henri Chapron, but also from Figoni, Saoutchik, Antem, and others. The company's own business premises at the rue de Banquier in Paris were never tooled up to build car bodies for the 235, but in 1953, as a response to sluggish sales, a standardised "factory" bodywork ("un coach d'usine") from Chapron became available, at 2,700,000 Francs a saving of nearly thirty percent on the bespoke coach-built versions.
The engine was the well known 3.6 liter inline six from the 135MS, here with three downdraught Solex carburettors and 152 hp (113 kW) at 4,200 rpm. The 235 effectively replaced the larger Type 175 in the marketplace. Top speed was around 170 km/h (106 mph).
The 235 appeared too late to have much effect on Delahaye's fortunes, still relying on 1930s technology in spite of its stylish and modern appearance. 235s last appeared at the Paris Salon in 1954, to sell of the remaining stock, and another grande marque met its end.
