This stunning miniature of the Delahaye 135M bodied by Figoni-Falashi in 1939 represents one of the finest emblems of pre-war French automobile craftsmanship. Meticulously reproduced by Solido, this exceptional piece captures all the elegance and refinement of this luxury sedan in its splendid original blue dress.
A true miniaturized work of art, this Delahaye is a must-have for any collector passionate about the golden age of French automobiles and the creations of the greatest coachbuilders of the time.
Features of the miniature
- Model: Delahaye 135M Figoni-Falaschi
- Brand: Delahaye
- Year: 1939
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Blue
- Manufacturer: Solido
- Protective case included: Yes
The original model: a masterpiece of automobile art
The Delahaye 135M of 1939 represents the pinnacle of pre-war French automotive craftsmanship. Launched in 1935, the 135 series featured a shortened and lightweight chassis, specially designed to accommodate the most prestigious bodies of the time. This version bodied by Figoni-Falaschi perfectly embodied the alliance of technical performance and artistic elegance.
Equipped with a 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine producing 95 horsepower, this Delahaye could reach speeds of 150 km/h, a remarkable achievement for its time. Its sophisticated chassis and independent front suspension provided it with an exceptional road behavior, worthy of the greatest European luxury sedans.
The Figoni-Falaschi body was distinguished by its fluid and aerodynamic lines, its curved surfaces and refined details that made it a true rolling sculpture, a symbol of French luxury.
Delahaye: the excellence of French automotive engineering
Founded in 1845 by Émile Delahaye, this French manufacturer initially specialized in industrial machines before turning to automobiles in 1894. In the 1930s, under the direction of engineer Jean François, Delahaye experienced its golden age with revolutionary models that dominated the racing circuits and charmed the most discerning clientele.
The brand particularly shone in sports competitions, winning numerous victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in major European Grand Prix. This expertise gained from competition naturally reflected in the production models, making each Delahaye a genuine luxury sportscar.
The collaboration with the greatest French coachbuilders like Figoni-Falaschi, Chapron, or Saoutchik allowed Delahaye to offer unique creations, true masterpieces of decorative art on wheels, marking the peak of French automotive luxury before World War II.
A star of elegance contests
The Delahaye 135M Figoni-Falaschi from 1939 was one of the absolute stars of elegance contests at the time. These glamorous events, organized in the most prestigious seaside and thermal resorts, brought together the European elite with genuine automotive parades where haute couture and high mechanics mixed.
The model exhibited at the Cannes Concours d'Élégance in 1939 caused a sensation with its revolutionary lines and deep blue hue that beautifully captured the reflections of the Mediterranean. Journalists of the time described it as "a stylized drop of water" so perfectly did its shapes follow the laws of nascent aerodynamics.
This particular Delahaye belonged to a rich American heiress who made it her car of choice for her stays on the Côte d'Azur. The war abruptly interrupted this golden era, and many examples disappeared or were hidden, contributing to their legendary rarity today.
Today, the few surviving examples of this Delahaye 135M Figoni-Falaschi fetch astronomical sums at international auctions, testament to their status as an absolute icon of French automotive art.
Complete your collection of exceptional French miniatures
This Delahaye 135M Figoni-Falaschi holds a special place in the world of prestige miniatures. It perfectly fits into a collection dedicated to pre-war French cars, alongside other marvels like Delage creations or other Delahaye models of the same era.
Collectors passionate about classic cars and French decorative art will find an authentic testament to this prosperous period when the French automotive industry competed with Europe's greatest marques. This Solido miniature also makes an excellent addition to thematic collections on the 1930s and the golden age of automobiles.
Whether you are an experienced collector or an informed enthusiast, this Delahaye 135M will find its place in your showcase, captivating looks with its timeless elegance and fascinating history, a living testament to an era when French automobiles shone brightly on the roads of the world.
