1937 Delage D8 120 Three Position Drophead Coupé
The Delage D8 was an eight-cylinder luxury car produced by Delage between 1929 and 1940.
In its day, the Delage D8 was the only French car which could be mentioned in the same breath as the 32CV Hispano-Suiza in terms of elegance and engineering excellence, while the Delage factory at Courbevoie was the most modern in the French industry, equipped with the finest tools that money could buy.
Along with many other manufacturers of quality cars, Delage was badly affected by the economic downturn of the early 1930s, and in 1935 was taken over by Delahaye. Louis Delage remained on the board of the new company, but from then onwards Delages would be built to Delahaye designs. The Arthur Louis Michelat-designed six-cylinder D6-60 engine was the sole survivor of the existing Delage range, and would continue to be produced until 1953. Delage’s last pre-war model was the D8 120, which was powered by a 4.7-litre straight eight based on the six-cylinder Delahaye 135 engine. With a chassis price of 105,800 francs, some 60% above that of the Delahaye, this last of the D8 line was a very expensive car. Not surprisingly, it attracted the attention of Europe’s foremost coachbuilders, who produced some of the most elegant designs of the period on the D8 120 chassis, this drophead coupé by the influential Parisian carrossier, Henri Chapron, being one such.
The exquisite interior is trimmed in distinct heavy grain patterned leather, the cognac-brown color playing beautifully against the highlight color on the bodywork. Finish quality is exemplary as one would expect from a high level restoration, and it shows very little signs of use, with virtually no creasing in the seating surfaces. Carpets, door panels and the gorgeous dash are all finely detailed and trimmed. The cabriolet top is finished in canvas, and fully lined which gives passengers a closed coupe-like experience. The top can be partially opened over the front passengers, or fully opened for the ultimate open-air motoring experience, allowing occupants to soak up the sounds and sensations from the fabulous eight-cylinder engine.
Like all Three Position Drophead Coupé it really needs to be inspected in person to appreciate its outstanding beauty. From the side profile the windowsills drop, matching the curve of the speared side moulding. The windows themselves follow the Labourdette Vutotal design, which eliminates conventional pillars by overlapping door and rear-quarter glass. There are fender skirts for the rear wheels and four glorious chrome exhaust pipes which feed into the right fender. Luxurious flowing fender lines and subtle curvatures blend along the whole length of the Delage, producing this rakish extravaganza.
This car won the coveted French Cup Trophy. Aerodynamically-designed coupes have enjoyed a huge resurgence in interest and no major collection seems complete without one.
