Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione

vs

Delahaye 135

Italy vs France — 1939 vs 1936

Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione (1939)
Delahaye 135 (1936)
Specifications
6C 2500 Competizione135 MS Grand Sport
Horsepower145 hp160 hp
Torque145 lb-ft214 lb-ft
Engine Size2,443 cc3,557 cc
Top Speed124 mph106 mph
Weight2,094 lbs2,646 lbs
Wheelbase2,700 mm2,950 mm
Length4,300 mm4,500 mm
Units Produced4
Value (Excellent)$8,000,000$1,200,000
Collectibility10/109/10
Rarity10/109/10
The Verdict

This matchup is remarkably close. The 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione offers higher top speed, lighter weight, stronger collectibility, while the 1936 Delahaye 135 MS Grand Sport counters with more power, better value. Neither holds a decisive advantage, making this a true enthusiast's dilemma. Your choice ultimately depends on which driving philosophy resonates more with you.

Overview

When Italy engineering meets France craftsmanship, the result is one of the most compelling matchups in the classic car world. The 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione and 1936 Delahaye 135 MS Grand Sport embody their respective national automotive traditions while competing in the same arena. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione producing 145 hp and the 1936 Delahaye 135 MS Grand Sport delivering 160 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione uses a Inline-6 DOHC displacing 2,443 cc, while the Delahaye 135 relies on a Inline-6 OHV with 3,557 cc. The 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione claims a higher top speed at 124 mph compared to 106 mph. The Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 552 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione commands a significant premium over the 1936 Delahaye 135 MS Grand Sport, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.