First delivered to period racer Louis Villeneuve, this outstanding racing Delahaye 135 S sports extensive competition history including superb fourth and sixth place finishes at the Le Mans 24 in 1938 and 1939. Uniquely, it retains complete original competition coachwork by Figoni, and is surely the most original 135 S in existence.
An active competitor in the 1930s and early post-war, Villeneuve’s 135 Spéciale was one of a very limited series specially built for racing and for select customers, featuring a shortened chassis, better suspension and brakes, and the robust and torquey Delahaye straight six. The rolling chassis was bodied elegantly by Figoni with a distinctive fin tail, appearing in the order book as “carrosserie selon règlement des 24 Heures du Mans.”
Villeneuve and chassis 46626 raced extensively entering at least 30 major events through 1949, highlights including the aforementioned outstanding results at Le Mans (along with two other entries in the cancelled 1936 and 1949 races), and a second overall at the 1938 Paris 12 Hours. Though a post-war comeback was attempted with modest result, the world had changed and the 135 S moved on to second owner Jacques Devinot in 1952, who entered her in events like the Coupe des Alpes.
Since retiring from her period competition career, 46626 has effectively been preserved in the hands of a very select group of custodians. After the ’52 season she was purchased by the famous collector Pierre Bardinon, founder of the Circuit du Mas du Clos. Used as a road car and his first significant acquisition, Bardinon actually hired a Villeneuve and Davinot mechanic to keep the Delahaye up to standard.
Delahaye Club fondateur Jean-Pierre Bernard acquired 46626 in the later fifties, keeping her for twenty-five years. A pioneer of the French vintage car movement, Bernard raced 46626 throughout his ownership, preserving its originality, and even renewing the cycle wings at Figoni. Friends with great collectors like Serge Pozzoli, Bernard and the 135 S led the first lap in a vintage race held at the 1958 Le Mans to commemorate 50 years of the ACO.
In the early 80s 46626 passed to Hervé Charbonneaux, son of Philippe Charbonneaux the post-war Delahaye designer. Another very long-term owner, for 33 years Charbonneau campaigned this 135 S in all the best events including the Mille Miglia, Goodwood, Villa d’Este, the Coupe de l’Age d’Or and more.
Offered from a private collection, this 135 S is outstandingly original with her irreplaceable Figoni competition body and distinctive finned tail. A significant addition to any discerning collection, she is also a total pleasure to drive. One of only 17 ever built, she epitomizes the French sports car ideal and is suitable for all the greatest events – tout à fait spectaculaire!
1936
Marseille 3 Hours, Louis Villenueve, 14th
Grand Prix de l’Automobile Club de France, Villenueve/Viale, 7th
Grand Prix de la Marne, Villeneuve, 14th
Marseille 3 Hours, Villeneuve, 10th
24 Hours of Le Mans (entered, abandoned), Villeneuve, Vagniez, DNF
1937
Grand Prix de l’Automobile Club de France (entered, abandoned, fuel system failure), Villeneuve
Grand Prix de la Marne, Villeneuve, 8th
Coupe d’Automne, Villeneuve, 3rd
1938
24 Hours of Le Mans, Villeneuve, Biolay, 4th
12 Hours of Paris, Villeneuve, Biolay, 2nd
1939
Grand Prix de Pau, Biolay, 7th
Coupe de Paris, Biolay, 10th
24 Hours of Le Mans, Biolay, Villeneuve, 6th
Grand Prix du Comminges, Villeneuve, 6th
1945
Coupe des Prisonniers, Villeneuve, 7th
1946
Grand Prix de Belgique (entered, abandoned), Villeneuve
Grand Prix du Roussillon, Villeneuve, 8th
1949
24 Hours of Le Mans (entered, abandoned), Chanal, Giraud-Cabantous, Villeneuve (entrant)
Coupe de Paris, Biolay, 10th
24 Hours of Le Mans, Biolay, Villeneuve, 6th
Grand Prix du Comminges, Villeneuve, 6th
1945
Coupe des Prisonniers, Villeneuve, 7th
1946
Grand Prix de Belgique (entered, abandoned), Villeneuve
Grand Prix du Roussillon, Villeneuve, 8th
1949
24 Hours of Le Mans (entered, abandoned), Chanal, Giraud-Cabantous, Villeneuve (entrant)
