Delahaye

Delahaye, a name synonymous with French automotive elegance, carved its niche in the pre-war era. Initially a commercial vehicle manufacturer, Delahaye transitioned to luxury automobiles in the 1930s, embracing the Art Deco aesthetic with gusto. Their chassis, renowned for their robust engineering, became canvases for coachbuilders like Figoni & Falaschi and Saoutchik, resulting in some of the most visually stunning cars of the period.

While not as prolific as some contemporaries, Delahaye's racing successes, particularly at Le Mans, further cemented their reputation. The brand's commitment to performance and style, however, proved unsustainable. Post-war economic realities and shifting tastes led to their eventual absorption by Hotchkiss in 1954, marking the end of an era for this distinctive marque.