So much more. Maybe too much

Our occasional forays into the history of aerodynamics have taught us that scientifically-studied aerodynamic cars weren’t always well received by the public and manufacturers: they were too different, too weird, with functional rather than aesthetic quirks. Pre-war Paris, however, was wholeheartedly seduced by new aerodynamic forms. Simple shapes that went on to be called French curves and did nothing to improve consumption or performance.

Exaggerated and magnificent: the 1939 Delahaye 165 M bodied by the famous Figoni & Falaschi coachbuilders. The aerodynamic forms were not functional, but serve to spectacularize one of the symbolic models of France’s “crazy years”.

There are many cars that belong to this train of thought but the Delahaye 165 M is certainly the most symbolic example. Built on the same chassis used for the company’s racing competition models and sharing the same a 170 horsepower, V12 engine, the famous coachbuilders from the 1930’s, Figoni and Falaschi, Italians by origin but who set up a permanent base in France, interpreted this model in the most “spectacular” way possible: the soft and rounded shapes with the bodywork protruding from the wheels, hiding them, uses chrome in the most unusual manner to emphasize what is a truly unique design.

The luxurious interior and the unusual windshield that the driver could lower using a special crank.

This model was a roadster and also featured a windshield that could be retracted by using a crank handle under the dash until it fully disappeared down into the cowl. Luxury touches weren’t only limited to the exterior: opulent white leather seats and rich instrumentation completed this superlative creation.

The mighty rear and the original use of chrome parts also for the sills that embellished the luxurious French convertible.

Next week we will visit another example of this flamboyant ostentation, but it should not come as a surprise to learn that after the war, the public’s taste for this kind of style diminished so much it was almost entirely forgotten. Cars were destined for mass production and even the simply magnificent F&F Carrozzeria went through a painful decline. 

The wheels, completely covered by the bodywork, helped to make the car particularly wide. Only two Type 165 M models were built.