Lot 025: 1933 DELAGE D6 SALOON

"There is a select band of motor cars which have the indefinable power to charm the driver and passengers immediately they are taken on the road. The Delage as a make most certainly belongs to this comparatively small group . . . the 22hp six-cylinder . . . feels exactly right and the driver realizes at once that he is handling an altogether exceptional machine" (Autocar, 8th May 1931). Introduced at the October 1930 Paris Salon, the Delage D6 was designed by Maurice Gaultier. Sharing the same bore and stroke dimensions (77mm x 109mm) as the marque's D8 flagship but employing six rather than eight cylinders, the newcomer's 3045cc OHV engine was rated at 72bhp and allied to a four-speed manual gearbox. Beautifully built, the D6 was based around a sturdy ladder frame chassis equipped with all round leaf-sprung suspension and four-wheel drum brakes. Available in two wheelbases, the model attracted the attention of various renowned coachbuilders (though, most were bodied in-house). Outsold by its illustrious sibling - to which it was arguably too close in terms of both price and appeal - just 1,160 D6s are thought to have left the Parisian factory between 1930 and 1933. Finished in ivory over brown with beige cloth upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "superb overall" condition. Reportedly supplied new to "a prosperous French estate agent", the saloon is further understood to have been "stored for many years after the war before going to Holland where it received an extensive restoration". Consequently said to be "as good underneath as it is on top" and to boast a set of "fully working instruments (including the fuel gauge)", the D6 sports twin side-mounted spare wheels and a sculpted luggage trunk (complete with fitted 'Delage' suitcases). Riding on painted wire wheels, this elegant French luxury car is offered for sale with a large history file, photographic restoration record, bills, assorted spares, original handbook, original parts book and fresh MOT certificate. PLEASE NOTE: We have been contacted by Nic Waller one of the organizers behind The Brooklands Double Twelve June 28th-29th 2008 meeting to say that the Delage D6 would get a "straight through" invitation for the event. PLEASE NOTE: Since the catalogue went to press we have been informed by the vendor that the DVLA have refused to allocate the number plate 'CHU 516' to this vehicle because the registration mark is some three years younger than the car. As a result the Delage is still Dutch registered and not UK registered as he had hoped.