1939 Delahaye 135 M Coupe Sport by Henri Chapron

1939 Delahaye 135 M Coupé Sport

Coachwork by Henri Chapron, Paris
Chassis No.: 49369
Body No.: 6010
Title: French

Vehicle Overview

Elegant, rare, and timeless — this 1939 Delahaye 135 M Coupé Sport by Henri Chapron is a shining symbol of pre-war French craftsmanship. With its dramatic yet refined proportions and a high-quality restoration, this is one of the rarest Chapron-bodied Delahayes ever built. Only fewer than fifteen Coupé Sport models were produced between 1938–1939, and only five are known to survive today.

This exceptional car, chassis 49369, was originally delivered in January 1939 and carries with it not only historic provenance but concours-level restoration and continued presence in one of the finest collections of 1930s French automobiles.

Vehicle Details

• Make: Delahaye

• Model: 135 M

• Year: 1939

• Chassis No.: 49369

• Body No.: 6010

• Engine: Replaced with upgraded 135 MS triple-carburettor engine during restoration

• Body Style: Coupé Sport Special

• Coachbuilder: Henri Chapron

• Color: Monochrome cream (period-correct and concours-inspired)

• Condition: Excellent; fully restored

• Registration History:

  • 1955: 691 BA 10 (Aube)

  • 1966: 790 BA 91 (Essonne)

  • 1976: 135 JX 52 (Saint-Dizier, Charbonneaux Museum)

  • 1985: 5555 RL 78

Historical Background & Provenance

• 4 November 1938: Ordered by Mr. Devanlay, owner of Les Bonneteries Troyennes

• 17 January 1939: Delivered by Chapron; order form retained in history file

• Charbonneaux Museum (1976–1985): Painted in metallic grey with blue wings; reproduced as a 1:24 scale Heller model

• 1985–1990s: Acquired by Mr. Dancette and underwent a concours-quality restoration by Eric Limpalaer, including:

  • Full mechanical overhaul

  • Coachwork and chassis restoration

  • Interior reupholstered to match period specifications

• Color scheme: Inspired by similar model shown at the 18th Concours d’Élégance, Auteuil, June 1939

Restoration & Present Condition

• Complete frame-off restoration performed to show-standard levels

• Engine upgraded to 135 MS triple-carburettor for enhanced performance

• Original engine block sold and believed to be in Holland

• Stunning monochrome cream paint offering timeless elegance and authentic period flair

• The car has been part of a high-end collection of 1930s French cars for over 12 years and remains in excellent condition

Concours & Event Participation

• Rétromobile – Displayed on Club Delahaye stand

• Club Delahaye 40th Anniversary Rally (2006)

• Rally of La Clusaz

• 45th Rally Paris-Deauville (2011) – Winner of concours for restoration and state

Highlights

✔ One of only five surviving Chapron Coupé Sport examples
✔ Beautifully executed pre-war Art Deco coachwork
✔ Restored by Eric Limpalaer, a renowned marque specialist
✔ Enhanced with 135 MS performance for reliable, spirited driving
✔ Eligible for top-tier concours, preservation class entries, and historic rallies
✔ Well-documented history with matching Chapron build records