The 1939 Delage D8-120S Cabriolet
Delage D8-120S Cabriolet was one of only a few of the Saoutchik-bodied Delages to receive these special doors. Which used a pantograph mechanism to extend the door panels away from the body. As doors opened, they moved parallel to the body side and slightly to the rear, leaving the entrance to the front seat completely unobstructed.
Aside from the doors, according to French car expert Richard Adatto, this car was much more subdued than the typically flamboyant Saoutchik bodywork.
This particular car was one of the last examples of about 56 Delage D8-120S cars built. The S denoting an updated, lower, and more sporting chassis than the 120 chassis introduced in 1936. This car was commissioned by the French government to be displayed at the 1939 Paris Auto Salon. The timing wasn’t very good as the show was canceled ahead of the fighting with Germany that began in September.
The car was hidden before the German invasion but reemerged after the war, again in government service to be driven in parades and for other official duties.
The Delage D8-120S Cabriolet was then sold in 1949 to a manufacturer of travel trailers. Who added a hitch and photographed the car all over Europe with his trailers. Later the car was restored to its original configuration and eventually sold to John W. Rich for his Pennsylvania museum in 2011.
At the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Delage D8-120S Cabriolet won the Elegance in Motion Trophy and the Most Elegant Convertible award.
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| Delage D8-120S Cabriolet |
Delage D8-120S Cabriolet Specifications
Chassis Number : 51976
Engine : Straight eight, 287ci/4.7 liters
Power : 120 bhp at 4,200 rpm
Torque : 181 lbs-ft at 2,000 rpm
Transmission : Cotal preselector four-speed manual
Wheelbase : 130 inches/330cm