1932 Delage D8S

Louis Delage replaced the top-of-the-line 6-liter DR and GL models with a new model known as the D8. Powered by a new eight-cylinder engine designed by Maurice Gaultier and intended to compete with the 8-cylinder unit powering the Isotta-Fraschini models, the D8 earned the accolade of the 'Rolls-Royce of French Cars.' The origins of the famous saying 'One drives an Alfa Romeo, is driven in a Rolls-Royce, but gives only a Delage to his favorite mistress' remains unknown. The company's slogan, however, was 'The Car with a Reputation' and 'Gained by Performance.'

Louis Delage founded his automobile company in Courbevoie on the Seine in 1905, and within a year, its reputation had grown considerably due to its racing endeavors. In 1927, Delage won the European Grand Prix Championship, and with his dream realized, the racing department was closed, the race cars were sold off, and the company focused its entire attention on automobile production.

The luxurious eight-cylinder D8 production version was launched at the Paris Auto Salon in 1929, and like nearly all European luxury cars of its day, the D8 was solely offered with right-hand drive. The 4,061cc unit had an overhead centrally positioned camshaft, and the 'D8 Normale' configuration produced around 102 horsepower at 3,500 RPM and 120 horsepower in 'D8 S' form. The engine was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the upper two ratios. The suspension was traditional, with rigid axles, friction dampers, and semi-elliptic leaf springs. Stopping power was via four-wheel drum brakes.

Delage created the rolling chassis, and the coachwork was created by many of the era's most talented carroussiers, including Chapron and Letourneur et Marchand. Body styles included coupe, cabriolet, roadster, and sedan (saloon).

The D8S and D8SS high-performance versions boosted output to 120 and 145 bhp, respectively, and with reduced weight, a lowered chassis, and altered rear springs, the top speed exceeded 100 mph and brought a marked improvement in both road-holding and handling.

Production of the Delage D8 lasted from 1929 to 1940 and was built in various sizes, configurations, and engine sizes. The D8-15 was built in 1933 and 1934, the D8-85 and D8-105 from 1934 to 1935, the D8-100 from 1936 to 1940, and the D8-120 from 1937 to 1940.

The Delage D8 enjoyed a favorable reception but, like many other luxury manufacturers, was badly affected by the economic downturn of the early 1930s. The company entered receivership in April 1935 and shortly thereafter was taken over by Delahaye. After the takeover, the D8 was built to Delahaye designs but retained its own short-stroke engines and hydraulic brakes.

The post-World War II continued to bring challenges to the luxury car segment, particularly punitive taxation rates for cars with over 2 liters. As a result, demand plummeted, and by 1953, Delage production ceased, bringing a sad end to a once great marque.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2023