1939 Delahaye Type 165

Type 165 image

The descriptions of the Classic Cars in the Directory were partly generated or supplemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The content may occasionally not always be entirely accurate or factually correct despite careful checking.

The Delahaye Type 165 was first introduced in 1938 at the Paris Salon and quickly became known as one of the most technologically advanced vehicles of its time. The 1939 Delahaye Type 165 in particular was a magnificent car that was powered by a 4.5-liter straight-six engine producing 165 horsepower. This engine was a masterpiece of engineering, featuring an impressive hemispherical cylinder head design, dual overhead camshafts and a sturdy five-bearing crankshaft. The engine was also equipped with dual Solex carburetors which provided the perfect amount of fuel and air mixture for optimal performance.

The Type 165's sleek bodywork was designed by famous coachbuilders Letourneur et Marchand, who were known for their unique and innovative designs. The car's body was constructed from lightweight aluminum alloy and featured a long hood, tapering fenders and a curved roofline giving it a sleek and aerodynamic look. The car's suspension and chassis were designed to provide a smooth ride, even on rough road surfaces. The independent front suspension was designed with coil springs and wishbones, while the live rear axle was fitted with semi-elliptical leaf springs.

One of the most unique features of the Delahaye Type 165 was its hydraulic brakes, which were a rare innovation for that time. The brakes were designed with two hydraulic circuits for added safety, and they were very efficient at stopping the car even at high speeds. The car also had a four-speed manual transmission which allowed for smooth and precise gear changes.

Inside the Type 165, the car's luxurious interior was crafted from fine leather and featured comfortable bucket seats and a spacious cabin. The car also had a full complement of gauges and controls, including a speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure gauge and water temperature gauge.

Delahaye only produced a limited number of Type 165's, and they were mostly owned by wealthy and influential people such as the French President. Today, the Delahaye Type 165 is considered an automotive masterpiece and a true marvel of engineering, highlighting the pinnacle of technical innovation and design of its time.

Milestones

- Delahaye Type 165 was introduced in 1939 as a luxury car. - It was powered by a 4.5-liter inline-six engine that produced 140 horsepower and had a top speed of 100 mph. - The car's body was designed by Figoni et Falaschi, a French coachbuilder known for their elegant and aerodynamic designs. - The Type 165 featured a long hood, sweeping fenders, and a curved roofline that flowed seamlessly into the rear. - The car's interior was luxurious and featured leather upholstery, wood trim, and a dashboard with chrome accents and gauges. - Only five examples of the Delahaye Type 165 were produced before the outbreak of World War II, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after French cars of all time. - The Type 165 won numerous awards for its design and performance, including the prestigious Best of Show award at the 1939 Paris Auto Salon. - After the war, the Type 165 became a symbol of French automotive excellence and was often featured in films and television shows set in the 1940s and 1950s.


Technical

- The Delahaye Type 165 was produced from 1938 to 1940. - It was powered by a 4.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produced 140 horsepower. - The engine was mated to a four-speed manual transmission. - The car had a top speed of 105 miles per hour (168 km/h). - It was a luxury car that featured custom coachwork, including bodies by Figoni et Falaschi and Letourneur et Marchand. - The chassis was made of box-section steel and was suspended by semi-elliptical leaf springs. - The car had hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels. - The Type 165 had a wheelbase of 3,400 mm (133.9 in) and a track width of 1,380 mm (54.3 in). - It weighed approximately 2,000 kg (4,409 lb). - Only a limited number of Type 165's were produced due to the outbreak of World War II.

SUPERMIND TRIVIA