How often these days do we hear of a faltering marque aiming to appeal to a younger, richer and sportier clientele? Ninety years ago, this was the story for Delahaye.
The French firm swapped tractors, trucks and basic cars for tourers that won it rallies, fame and the finest coachbuilders’ attention – and probably the most admired of all was the 135, which we tested on its UK arrival as a drophead.
We clocked it doing 0-60 mph in 13.7seconds and topping out at 99 mph.
“The car sweeps up hills, and it has brakes and roadholding in keeping,” we beamed. “The whole thing is almost alive, so exactly does the engine answer the driver’s ideas and so exactly do the controls perform the necessary operations.
“It’s beautifully balanced on a corner, so that one goes round fast without particularly thinking of the process; the steering is never heavy but is certainly not too light.
“There’s no tendency to sway, no soft up-and-down motion.
“Without being harsh, the springing resembles more a true sports car system. At speed, there’s all the stability that can be wanted, as well as extremely comfortable riding.
“The [95bhp 3.2-litre straight-six] engine is delightfully smooth and very quiet mechanically.
“It has the best virtues of the best sports type of car” – and cost just £913 (£45,000 in our money).
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