1932 Delage D8S Coupe

The Delage was an automobile that embodied sophistication, performance, exquisite engineering, and exclusivity. Its eight-cylinder D8 S was its most elite model, and it was introduced in the early 1930s. Weight was kept to a minimum, with lightweight coachwork draped over a shortened chassis. The engine was tuned to produce 20 more horsepower than the standard D8, with the competition-bred four-liter, eight-cylinder unit delivering 118 brake horsepower at 3,800 rpm. The shorter valve springs were more resistant to breakage at higher rpm ranges, and the Delage-only aircraft-inspired system routed warm engine oil through the intake system, rather than water or coolant, in order to prevent performance loss due to carburetor icing.

Delage produced 99 examples of its D8 S, and this example wears coachwork by the French coachbuilder, Marcel Pourtout. Styling elements included the flowing fenders, long hoodline, sweeping door lines, very minimal use of chrome trim, and a low-cut windshield.

This D8 S was created for H. de Corvaia, and its body was badged as coachwork by H. de Corvaia, although it was the work of Marcel Pourtout. It is included in the Carrosserie Pourtout records under commission number 964, with the notation of its delivery to de Corvaia in March 1932.

This Delage was originally delivered to a French actor, for whom it was registered 6195 RF6. In 1936, it was acquired by Gaston Forgues, an engineer of the Haute Garonne. Residing in storage during World War II, the car emerged when peacetime resumed, and when it returned to the road in 1946, it still wore its original registration number but now under the name of la Compagnie des Etudes et Réalisations Industrielles, or C.E.R.I., one of Mr. Forgues's business interests. In 1950 it was registered to C.E.R.I. under the new system as 9087 Q 75.

In 1952, the Delage received maintenance at the Lux Auto garage in Asniéres, and then was put into storage where it resided for nearly three decades. In 1980, Mr. Forgues's son, Gérard, retrieved the car from storage and commissioned a full restoration. A Mr. Vernhès handled the body and mechanical work, and upholstery was the work of Oppenot. Upon competition, it wore its original color scheme and was e-registered under the collector registration 598 HWM 75, and then exhibited at the Centre National de l'Automobile à Pantin.

After 59 years in the Forgues family, the car was sold to its current owners.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2024