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Driving Delahaye: Experience a French Automotive Masterpiece

Stephanie Cherry06 mins

Exploring the 1951 Delahaye 235

The 1951 Delahaye 235 is a stunning example of French automotive excellence, combining style with engineering prowess. This elegant vehicle embodies a design that was ahead of its time, showcasing the artistry of its era while delivering reliable performance.

Performance and Power

Under the hood, the Delahaye 235 boasts a 150-horsepower 6-cylinder engine that provides sufficient power for comfortable cruising. While not the fastest car on the road, its performance is commendable, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.

Designer Craftsmanship

Designed with American tastes in mind, the body of the Delahaye 235 was fashioned by the renowned firm Saoutchik, famous for their extravagant designs. Despite its right-side steering, the car captures a luxurious aesthetic that pleases the eye.

Interior Features

Inside the Delahaye 235, innovation meets vintage charm. The small lever next to the steering wheel serves as a shifter for the 4-speed Cotal pre-selector transmission, a feature that, although not common today, showcases the technological advancements of its time. Additionally, a larger gear lever under the dash allows the selection of Drive or Reverse, enhancing the car’s user-friendly functionality.

Technology and Design

Interestingly, the 235 integrates improved versions of older technology. For example, while hydraulic brakes were becoming the standard by 1951, this model retained its cable-operated brakes. This blend of old and new highlights the car’s unique engineering mindset.

Historical Significance

The 1951 Delahaye 235 was one of the last models produced by the French automaker before it ceased operations in 1954. With a backdrop of war-ravaged Europe, Delahaye struggled to sell its exquisite vehicles. This model signifies not only a remarkable automotive achievement but also a poignant moment in automotive history.

Despite having its steering on the right, this 235 was designed with American tastes in mind. The body was created by the firm Saoutchik, famous for extravagant designs.
Despite having its steering on the right, this 235 was designed with American tastes in mind. The body was created by the firm Saoutchik, famous for extravagant designs.
The tiny lever next to the steering wheel is the shifter for the 4-speed Cotal pre-selector transmission. A larger gear lever under the dash selects Drive or Reverse.
The tiny lever next to the steering wheel is the shifter for the 4-speed Cotal pre-selector transmission. A larger gear lever under the dash selects Drive or Reverse.
The 235 was designed with improved versions of old technology. For instance, it has cable-operated brakes even though hydraulics had become common by 1951.
The 235 was designed with improved versions of old technology. For instance, it has cable-operated brakes even though hydraulics had become common by 1951.
This 1951 Delahaye 235 was among the French automaker's last models. Delahaye would shut down in 1954, unable to sell its gorgeous cars in war-ravaged Europe.
This 1951 Delahaye 235 was among the French automaker’s last models. Delahaye would shut down in 1954, unable to sell its gorgeous cars in war-ravaged Europe.
With its sweeping lines, this Delahaye represents the waning years of an era of beautiful French car design, California's Mullin Museum is dedicated to these automobiles.
With its sweeping lines, this Delahaye represents the waning years of an era of beautiful French car design, California’s Mullin Museum is dedicated to these automobiles.

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