Lot details
Registration No: UAS 713
Chassis No: 39163
Mot Expiry: Feb 2009

Gabriel Voisin once commentated that he did not know how rival Louis Delage was able to produce cars of such quality for so (comparatively) little money. By the mid 1930s, the aviation pioneer's musings had acquired an ominous echo as Delage slid ever further into debt. Justly feted for the magnificent D8, chief designer Maurice Gaultier made one final attempt to revive the marque's fortunes before parachuting out to Renault. Introduced for the 1933 season, the Delage D8-15 embraced a number of fashionable automotive trends. Equipped with transverse-leaf independent front suspension, the newcomer's low-slung ladder-frame chassis also featured a wide track and close-coupled seating. Prophetically modern, the powerful straight-eight overhead-valve engine employed almost equal bore and stroke dimensions (75mm x 75.5mm). Developing some 80bhp, the 2.7 litre unit was allied to a silent twin-top gearbox. Reputedly capable of some 90mph, the model could be had with different length chassis, the most sporting of which was the D8-15S. Too little too late, the D8-15 like its lesser D6-11 and D4 siblings could not prevent Delage being swallowed by Delahaye in 1935.

Finished in blue over cream with biscuit leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "fair / good" (electrical equipment), "good" (engine, four-speed manual gearbox, coachwork), "very good" (interior trim) or "nicely patinated" (paintwork) condition. Reportedly "rebodied as a drophead by a leading exponent in their field", 'UAS 713' is further understood to have benefited from some £3,000 worth of recent engine fettling. Boasting a well-stocked dashboard, smart blue hood and wind-out windscreen, the luxurious four-seater is said to have "taken part in the trip to the Delage gathering in France for which it is eligible". Running on twin SU carburetors, this imposing Post Vintage Thoroughbred is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until February 2009. e