In 1935, Delahaye introduced the Type 135 at the Paris Salon, featuring a lowered chassis that marked a continued trend toward high-performance automobiles. Initially available in Sport, Competition, and Special variants, the Type 135 became renowned for its racing prowess and sophisticated design. Esteemed coach builders such as Henri Chapron, Joseph Figoni, Marius Franay, Marcel Pourtout, and Jacques Saoutchik crafted many examples, with factory competition and privateer racing models being produced in smaller quantities on shortened-wheelbase chassis.

The Type 135's 3.5-litre engine, especially in its competition form with three carburetors producing 110 horsepower, achieved significant success in European racing. Notable achievements include podium finishes at the 24 Hours of Spa in 1936, the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1937, and a 1-2 finish at Le Mans in 1938. As peace returned to Europe in the wake of World War II, Delahaye looked to restart production of its pre-war models as a