17/5!

"Cé hé sin" (michael-m-mouse) 05/17/2015 at 10:05 • Filed to: Delahaye, 175

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The 17th of May and therefore time for the last of the Delahayes, the 175. Designed just after WW2 the 175 exchanged the complicated and expensive (three camshafts and dual ignition) of the V12 used in the racing 145 and roadgoing 165 by a new straight six of 4.5 litres producing 140 to 160 bhp. It also featured the new Dubonnet (yes, you usually drink it!) front suspension.

It was the first luxury Delahaye to have lhd.

Sadly the 175 was often crippled by hugely heavy coachbuilt bodies which tended to overwhelm both the trick new suspension and the half shafts. Wet weather handling was said to be “interesting”.

Despite all that Delahaye managed to rally the 175. They took part in the Monte Carlo in both 1950 and 1951, winning in the latter year, and also took 12th place in the Carrera Panamericana.

Here’s the Motto bodied rally car, a 175 S.

Here’s it’s thankfully unrestored engine, which looks like it’s in a car that’s actually been driven, with its owner.

Jobjoris > Cé hé sin 05/17/2015 at 10:16

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The Motto is the best. Thanks!