1934 Delage D8 Sports Tourer

Delage built the eight-cylinder D8 from 1929 through 1940. The original engine was a 4061cc unit that placed it in the 23CV car tax brand, a cylinder dimensions taxation system used for automobiles in some European countries. It was introduced when the world's economy was struggling with the effects and aftermath of the 1929 stock market crash.

The D8 was the work of chief engineer Maurice Gualtier. The four-liter, five-main bearing straight-eight engine offered 105 horsepower. It was smooth, quiet, and reliable in a similar fashion to the Hispano Suiza and the Bentley.

When introduced, Delage offered two versions of the D8, the 'D8 Normale' and the D8 S'. The D8 Normale was available with three different wheelbase lengths consisting of a 124.7-inch, 136.5-inch, and 160.1-inch version. The D8 S was intended as a sports car and was available only on the 130-inch short wheelbase. It had a lowered chassis and an engine with higher compression and a revised camshaft profile, resulting in 120 horsepower.

This particular example began life as a D8 Normale. It was sent new to Tasmania. Its second owner was on King Island, just north of Tasmania. By 1985, it had come into the care of Paul Rodis of Melbourne, Victoria. In 2001, it was sold to Antony Osborne of Richmond, Victoria. Mr. Osborne began a thorough, no-expense-spared restoration. The original saloon coachwork was replaced with a two-seat sports body with the interior trimmed in tan leather. The engine was rebuilt and upgraded to 'S' specification, which included the addition of four SU carburetors and a new, free-flowing exhaust manifold. The gearbox and water pump were also rebuilt, along with the hydraulic brakes and synchromesh gearbox.

Since the restoration was completed, the car has been driven about 1,000 miles.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2019