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1937 Delage D8 120 Aerosport Coupe

  • Designed by Letourneur et Marchand
  • Chassis Number: 50789
  • VIN Number: 812041
  • Engine Number: 812041
  • Body Number: 2909
In 1936, the Delage D8-120 was introduced. It was given a modified Delahaye chassis and featured an advanced independent suspension in the front with a transverse leaf spring. Power was basically a Delahaye 135M six-cylinder unit, with the addition of two cylinders. The resulting displacement was 4.3-liters and horsepower was rated at 95. It would quickly grow in size and in power output to 4744cc and 115 horsepower. The D8-120 weighed approximately 3,700 pounds, meaning its eight-cylinder engine provided enough power and torque to propel it to speeds approaching 95 miles per hour. Many of Europe's leading coachbuilders were tasked with building designs atop the chassis. The shortlist of artisans includes Saoutchik, Chapron, Portout, and Letourner et Marchand being the most notable among them.

Letourner et Marchand built the elegant Aérosport coupes which have been considered by many to be the most attractive of these creations. It is believed that fewer than twenty were created, likely fourteen, built in two styles - the sporty fastback, and the elegant notchback coupe, referred to as Style 5677.

Marcel Letourner was the individual responsible for creating the design of the Aerosport bodies and is considered to be one of the greatest French designers of the 1930s. The coupes had long hoods, flowing fenders, and a unique pillarless design.

Production of the D8-120 lasted from 1936 through 1939. The D8-120 created such a sensation that it was invited to join the French government's automotive display at the 1939 New York World's Fair.

This example is chassis number 50789. It is believed to be the sole surviving example of approximately ten cars that were originally built with the notchback coupe body. The early history is mostly unknown. What is known is that it was sold new in France. Following World War II, it went to Australia where, after time, it fell into a state of disrepair - although complete. It had been involved in a front-end accident, and its fenders were replaced with incorrect ones from another car.

Richard Scott of Sidney, Ohio, discovered and purchased the car. It was shipped to the United States and treated to a restoration in preparation for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It was entered in the 2006 edition of the Pebble Beach Concours, where it earned a Second Place Award for European Classic 1925-1939 Closed automobiles.

In 2009, this very rare and elegant car was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. The lot was estimated to sell for 1,000,000 - $1,500,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $825,000 including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2010

2023 Broad Arrow : Monterey Jet Center

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $1,200,000-USD $1,600,000 
Sale Price :
USD $1,105,000

2009 Automobiles of Arizona

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $1,000,000-USD $1,500,000 
Sale Price :
USD $825,000

1937 Delage D8 120 Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Delage D8 120

(Data based on Model Year 1937 sales)
1937 Delage D8-120 Chapron Cabriolet
Chassis#: 51624
Sold for USD$434,000
  2023 Broad Arrow : Monterey Jet Center
1937 Delage D8 120 image  1937 Delage D8 120 image  
1937 Delage D8-120 Letourneur et Marchand Coach JeL
Chassis#: 50789
Sold for USD$1,105,000
  2023 Broad Arrow : Monterey Jet Center
1937 Delage D8 120 image  1937 Delage D8 120 image  
1937 Delage D8-120 Deltasport Three-Position Cabriolet
Chassis#: 51629
Sold for USD$770,000
  2013 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach
1937 Delage D8 120 image  1937 Delage D8 120 image  
1937 Delage D8 120 Drop Head Coupe
Sold for USD$605,000
  2010 Gooding and Company - Scottsdale Auction
1937 Delage D8 120 image  1937 Delage D8 120 image  
1937 Delage D8 120
Sold for USD$825,000
  2009 Automobiles of Arizona
1937 Delage D8 120 image  1937 Delage D8 120 image  
1937 Delage D8 120 Drophead Coupe
Sold for USD$715,000
  2006 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction
 

Delage D8 120s That Failed To Sell At Auction

1937 Delage D8 120's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1937 Delage D8-120 Cabriolet516242024 Worldwide Auctioneers : Auburn Auction   
1937 Delage D8 120 Three Position Drophead Coupé507902023 Bonhams : Quail $700,000$800,000
1937 Delage D8 120 Three Position Drophead Coupé507902019 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais $650,000$750,000

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1937 Delage D8 120

Additional valuation insight and sales data
History
Specifications
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Other Delage D8 120 model years

1937 Delage D8 120 Vehicle Profiles

1937 Delage D8 120 vehicle information
Three Position Drophead Coupé
Coachwork: Henri Chapron
Chassis #: 50790
1937 Delage D8 120 vehicle information
Roadster
Coachwork: deVillars
Chassis #: 51626
1937 Delage D8 120 vehicle information
Aerosport Coupe
Designer: Letourneur et Marchand
1937 Delage D8 120 vehicle information
Aero Coupe
Coachwork: Pourtout
Designer: Georges Paulin
Chassis #: 51620
1937 Delage D8 120 vehicle information
Aerosport Coupe
Designer: Letourneur et Marchand
1937 Delage D8 120 vehicle information
Drop Head Coupe
Coachwork: Henri Chapron
Chassis #: 51624
Engine #: 51624
1937 Delage D8 120 vehicle information
Deltasport Cabriolet
Coachwork: Henri Chapron
Chassis #: 51629
Engine #: 5454
1937 Delage D8 120 vehicle information
Aerosport Coupe
Designer: Letourneur et Marchand
Chassis #: 50789
Engine #: 812041
Vin #: DEL5078937

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.