Delahaye Model 135M

Coupe

his car provided inspiration for the designs of many high-

end coachbuilders after its introduction in 1936. While it

is a Delahaye, the name Joseph Figoni is equally important

to its history. Figoni designed the enveloping, streamlined

body-work for his Figoni and Falaschi coachbuilding

firm, and it is considered to be one of Figoni’s first coupe

designs. The car wears its black aluminum body like a finely

tailored dress, with dramatic, reflective swooshes and scallops

accentuating its sensual curves.

Both front and rear wheels are enclosed; the headlights are

also hidden from view by fine-barred, flush-mounted grilles.

These grilles complement the central radiator grille’s vertical

bars and the hood-side vents, which have similarly spaced

bars that sweep downward and are accented by three chrome

T