1938 Delage D8-120 Coupe

Delage was a graduate engineer and a former chief draftsman and tester for Peugeot. His namesake company was created in 1905 and he strictly enforced two codes for building automobiles; they must be of the highest-quality engineering and they must exude beauty and art. Under his rule for the next three decades, Louis Delage's wonderful machines exceeded these expectations. What made Delage grand also became its undoing.

Excessive amounts of money were spent on prototypes that proved inadequate. More capital was spent on racing endeavors - winning the 1927 Grand Prix World Championship - that should have been put to better use. Sales of costly chassis continued at very low rates. Finally, in April 1935, Delage went into receivership. Losing his entire fortune, he died virtually penniless in 1947. After liquidation, the marque was purchased by a former agent for the brand. In August of 1935 the newly rescued Delage Company entered a contract with Delahaye, and two years later was fully absorbed by the manufacturer.

This car wears an aerosport coupe body that was crafted by the Parisian firm of Letourneur & Marchand. It is one of just 12 examples produced and was completed in September of 1938. Upon its completion, it was immediately displayed at the 1938 Paris Salon. It was purchased by the present owner in December 2008.