About Delahaye
The Delahaye automobile manufacturing company was started by Emile Delahaye in 1894, in Tours, France. His first cars were belt-driven, with single or twin cylinder engines. In 1900, Delahaye left the company.
In 1901, the Société des Automobiles Delahaye constructed a factory in Paris, where they continued to manufacture cars and trucks. In 1908, they began producing four cylinder engines, in sizes of 1.5 and 2.1 litres, as well as a 2.6 litre V6. They also licensed their designs to manufacturers in the United States and Germany. By the end of World War I, their major income was from their truck business.
In 1934 they introduced a 12cv car, with a 2.15 litre four cylinder engine, and an 18cv car powered by a 3.2 litre six — both engines derived from their successful truck engines. In 1935 the introduction of the Coupé des Alpes car model and the Model 135 car brought success to their car business as well, while the truck business also continued to thrive.
Delahayes of this period are recognized to be some of the most beautiful automobiles ever built. Some of the great coach-builders who provided bodies for Delahayes include Figoni et Falaschi, Chapron, and Letourneur et Marchand.
