- A sensational example of an exclusive coachbuilt Delage
- Comprehensive restoration performed by Carrosserie Lecoq in France
- An original body, engine and chassis example
- Resident of multiple prolific collections including Louis Vuitton dynasty heir, Herve Ogliastro
- Beautiful pre-war automobile finished in an elegant shade of Sage Green
- A most striking French design of the Thirties
LOT 634
Selling on Saturday Evening
Custom Coachwork by Chapron
1937 Delage D8-120 Cabriolet
The Delage D8-120 was the company's first new model produced after overcoming financial difficulties, which had led to a collaboration with its longtime rival, Delahaye, under the leadership of Walter Watney. This model featured an inline eight-cylinder engine, similar to Delahaye's competition-oriented six-cylinder powerplant but with two additional cylinders, producing about 115 horsepower. The engine was mounted on a sturdy frame with advanced front suspension incorporating a transverse leaf spring. With elegant custom coachwork from some of Europe's finest shops, it was a marvelous and stout grand tourer, capable of carrying passengers and their luggage at speeds pushing 100 mph.
One of those custom coachwork firms of the era was Henri Chapron, one of France's most prolific coachbuilders. Chapron's signature style was usually at the forefront of fashion, marked by a degree of maturity and restraint that set it apart from even the most flamboyant designs of the time. When envisioning a Delage from this era, one typically imagines a Chapron, most often a cabriolet, a body style in which he particularly excelled, such as this 1937 Delage D8-120 Cabriolet.
According to Chapron archives, chassis 51624 and body 5254 were delivered on September 7th, 1937, which was just prior to the Paris Salon de l'Automobile held at the Grand Palais in October. Further research by the late Delage authority, Francois Jolly, indicates this example may have been delivered new to a prominent French actress of the era, which falls into place considering the prestige of this automobile. Following WWII, this D8-120 was across the Channel, as it was reportedly in British ownership, according to notes by Delage Registrar, Peter Jacobs, of a G. Maude of Cheshire, who then advertised it in the April 1957 issue of Motor Sport. Later known British owners included J.W. Heaney Jr. Research further indicates that this example was imported to the United States and owned by Robert Muelke, an industrial designer and promoter of early custom automobiles on the East Coast. Mr. Muelke is a well-known connoisseur of the marque, famed for his long-term ownership of the special D8-120 S Pourtout Aero coupe that won Best of Show at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
This example was sold to Mark Gibbons of Cambridge, Massachusetts, where it was displayed among an impressive collection, which entailed a Pourtout-bodied Talbot-Lago T-150 C SS, a Rolls-Royce Phantom II Henley Roadster, and a Bugatti Type 57C. The next owner would be Louis Vuitton dynasty heir, Herve Ogliastro, who returned this Delage back to Europe. Under his stewardship, he would commission a restoration by renowned French firm, Carrosserie Lecoq. As part of the restoration by the worldwide Concours d'Elegance award-winning firm, the car was finished in its present livery; the body's wooden frame was extensively redone, and the sheet metal appears to have been well-preserved. Much of the chrome trim was redone but certain original touches remain intact, with Chapron body number "52" still visible on the underside of one of the windshield pillar caps. Following the restoration, this example was exhibited at the 1992 Louis Vuitton Classic at Bagatelle, and won the Prix special du Jury award. Most recently, this Delage has enjoyed the comforts and care of a private California collection.
Today, 51624 presents in stunning condition in its elegant livery of Sage Green over a lush ivory interior. Since the car has been cherished and maintained in significant collections, the fit and finish are outstanding and the brightwork is in fine order. The original numbers-matching inline eight-cylinder engine is mated to a four-speed Cotal pre-select gearbox. Beautifully presented inside and out, perhaps Peter Ustinov's famous quote best describes this D8-120, "A gentleman drives an Alfa Romeo, is driven in a Rolls-Royce, but gives only a Delage to his favorite mistress." Cared for in collections around the globe, this Delage is an automobile that every enthusiast of pre-war cars should experience at least once. This is an exceptionally attractive Delage and an integral piece for any collection exhibiting the finest French coachwork.
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