1936 Delage D6-3L

The Delage Company was founded in 1905 by Louis Delage and would become one of France's premier luxury car makers of the 1920s and 1930s, alongside Talbot Lago, Bugatti, and Hispano Suiza. In 1930, Delage launched the D6-11, and two years later the D8-15, both equipped with independent front suspension and an innovative engine. Unfortunately, even these exceptional vehicles were not enough to stem the tide of falling sales. In 1935 the struggling Delage Company was purchased by Englishman Walter Watney, with the Delahaye brand eventually taking control of the Delage name. This strategic move was done to position itself among the biggest and most prestigious car makers of the era. This venture, however, also struggled financially and the last car with a Delage badge rolled off the production line in 1953.

At the 1930 Paris Salon, the Delage D6, designed by Maurice Gaultier, was introduced. It was given a 3045cc overhead valve engine and mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. The D6 was given a ladder frame chassis equipped with a leaf-spring suspension and four-wheel drum brakes. A variety of engines were offered over the production lifespan, and in 1936, the Delage D6-80 racing version was introduced. The 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine offers up to 200 horsepower.

This Delage D6 3 Ltr Roadster, chassis number 50482, raced during its early life in Argentina in a single-seat configuration. It is believed to have competed in various races, including those at Mar del Plata in 1938 and at Mendoza in 1942. In 1974, still in Argentina, the car was updated by Argentinean coachbuilder Galisio with a 2-seater roadster body inspired by the 1938 Tourist Trophy-winning D6. It has a lightweight aluminum body and is powered by a 3.5-liter engine. It is finished in dark blue and has tan upholstery.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at Coys 'Legende et Passion' Monaco sale where it was estimated to sell for €150.000 - €185.000.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2012