Dutch title
Chassis n° 51613
Engine n° 51613

- Ordered new by the Shah Aga Khan III
- Older high-quality restoration
- Extraordinary design

The flagship model of the Delage range from 1936, the D8-120 chassis reflected the best that could be found in France at that time. Its powerful straight-eight engine, which increased to 4.7-litres and 115 bhp in 1938, required a fantastically long bonnet, inspiring numerous coachbuilders who had their sights set on this fabulous chassis. Massive chrome exhaust pipes emerged from the right side of the bonnet to plunge back into the wing, a clear demonstration of the car's power. Certain creations took this look to another level, adding identical dummy pipes installed on the opposite side, to perfect the symmetry.
This is the case with chassis 51613 that left the Delage factories in 1938. It was taken to Vanvooren in Courbevoie to be given an exceptional cabriolet body, with 4/5 seats under its hood. The car was registered new in Paris, given the number 1111 RM 1 for the first owner, the Shah Aga Khan III. It is notable that the Shah's Delahaye 135 Figoni bore the number 1111 RK 6, and so number 1111 was the result of a special request. A copy of an old registration document tells us that the vehicle remained in Paris but changed title on 16 June 1948. The next owner was Joseph Pollet, a mechanic from Rueil Malmaison, who acquired the car on 13 November 1959. In 1960, it was bought by Jean Salis, well known in the world of vintage aircraft, who already owned three Delage D8 120s (a blue, a white and a red - 51613). Photos from this period show the car obviously not running and with a special radiator grille. It then passed into the hands of Ray Jones before being sold in 1979 to Mr Yvon from Saintes. It was from the latter that Mr Smits, a discerning Dutch collector, acquired it in 1979 when the odometer stood at 12 740 km. The car then was complete, not running and in need of a full restoration. The comprehensive file accompanying this work of art contains a photographic report of this barn-find, testifying to the condition of the car when it was discovered. Also included is a set of photographs of the restoration, documenting the job from dismantling it down to the chassis, with each part of the bodywork, the interior, all mechanical elements, the suspension, all studiously classified then rebuilt, bit by bit, through to its complete and meticulous re-assembly. At this point the radiator grille was returned to its original configuration. The work was of an exceptionally high standard as today, this D8 120 remains in superb condition, simply patinated as we like automobiles to be.
We had the pleasure of a test drive and experienced the powerful 8-cylinder engine running very well, connected to a lovely Cotal gearbox. Hood up or down, the elegant and sporty design of this cabriolet is spectacular. The overall level of finish and sophistication confirms that this D8-120 does indeed represent the best in France before the Second World War. A major collector's piece with a prestigious provenance and fully continuous history coming with a substantial file.

Full catalogue and more photos https://www.artcurial.com/en/sale-4315-retromobile-2023-artcurial-motorcars