Lot 032: 1926 DELAGE DI FOUR SEAT TOURER

By the early 1920s, Delage was among France's pre-eminent car manufacturers. Founded in 1905 by ex Turgan-Foy and Peugeot employee, Louis Delage, the Courbevoie concern was known throughout Europe for the quality and sophistication of its designs. No stranger to racing, the marque's magnificent 1.5litre straight-eight GP cars were crowned 'champion du monde' in both 1926 and 1927. While its other forays into competition included a 10.5litre landspeed record challenger and a string of Le Mans entries. Like many of its peers, Delage used the latter event as a test-bed for forthcoming production model components. Thus, when the DI debuted in 1923, its sophisticated overhead-valve cylinder head had already seen service at Le Sarthe. In addition to a willing 2121cc four-cylinder engine, the DI also boasted a four-speed manual gearbox, elegant leaf-sprung ladder-frame chassis and all-round drum brakes. Finished in dark green with mid-green leathercloth upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good overall" condition. Although its early years are a mystery, chassis 22572 was reportedly discovered by a noted Delage restorer during the mid 1970s. Brought back from France, the DI seemed destined to remain a dismantled collection of parts until 1995 when the previous custodian commissioned its restoration. Mechanically overhauled and fitted with an aluminium four-seater tourer body in the style of Vanden Plas, the rejuvenated 'SV 6226' is understood to have covered some 6,500 miles before entering the current ownership during June 2004. Since used for family outings and pleasure motoring, recent work is said to have included a replacement differential, six new wheels / tyres and further engine fettling. An appealing proposition, this quality Vintage tourer is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until November 2008 and historic class (free) road tax until October 2008.