1924 Delage Type DI Eight-Lite Shooting Brake

Louis Delage started his automobile company in Courbevoie on the Seine in 1905. A year later, he began racing, which resulted in many victories helping to establish the firm's reputation. He became obsessed with winning the European Grand Prix Championship. He accomplished this dream in 1927, after which he closed his race department, sold off his racecars, and returned to the manufacture of automobiles.

The Type DI was announced in August of 1923 and would serve as a replacement for the 11-horsepower DE model. The Type DI was given a new overhead valve engine which would allow it to accommodate larger, more luxurious bodies. Between May 1924 and 1927, just 983 examples were built.

This particular example is a rather unusual example as it appears to have been built as a hunting wagon to hunt boar. Located behind the chauffeur's compartment is a rear bulkhead that can fold down to form a double bed. Window blinds of Whitchurch silk are fitted for privacy. Opening the tailgate reveals a toolbox equipped with period tools.

It wears coachwork by Carrosserie Castraise.

In the mid-1960s, the car was in the care of J.L. Riols. In October of 1981, it was shown at the International Delage gathering in Mougins, having been entered by Gaston Natoly of L'Isle-sur-Tarn. It was believed to have been sold in July of 1991 by John Tregenza of Hockley, Essex to M.R. Langley, Upminster, Essex.

Prior to being exported to the United States and coming into the care of its current owner, it was in the care of Terry Cohen. Since then, the car has been used sparingly. It wears an older restoration and is currently finished in yellow with black fenders. Since coming to the United States, it has only been shown at the Petersen Museum in the early 2000's.

In 2016, it was offered for sale at The Finest auction at The Elegance of Hershey.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2016