Delahaye V12 Type 145 'Grand Prix du Million' 1937

The ‘Grand Prix du Million’ was organised by the French Government in order to support the French Racing cars industry. It was a corresponding action to the official support by the German or Italian Government for their racing car industry. The Million Francs was earned by René Dreyfus and its Delahaye V12 Type 145. The money was in part collected by an increase of 10 Francs for the cost of Driver Licenses. René Dreyfus ran over 200 km (124,3 miles) at the Monthlery autodrome  with an average speed of 146,508 kph (91 mph).

It was stipulated that the challenge Le Million could only be won with a car adhering strictly to the FIA formula of 3.0 litre supercharged or 4.5 litre unblown. Delahaye decided to develop a 4.5 litre engine that could later be employed with grand touring sports cars. A V12 was developed for Le Million challenge with 4.495 cc capacity. Maximum power output in racing tune is 235 hp. A dozen of V12 engine were prepared. Two of these were detuned and handed to coachbuilder Chapron who prepared the famous Delahaye 145 Coupé Chapron .

In 1938, the Delahaye 145 V12 won the Grand Prix de Pau and finished fourth at the Mille Miglia.

The present car with chassis n° 48771 was later owned by collector Serge Pozzoli before integrating the Peter Mullin collection where it belongs today

Wallpapers of the Delahaye V12 Type 145 'Grand Prix du Million' 1937 (click on image to enlarge)