Delage D8-120 Aerosport Coupe
Pebble Beach Concours, August, 2006. This is a 1937 Delage D8 120 Aerosport Coupe that was in the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It placed second in its class (1925-1939 European Closed) but I think it was one of the best-looking cars I have ever seen. This particular car is chassis 50789 and is part of RM's Arizona auction in January, 2009.
The 1937 D8-120 was built using a Delahaye engine and modified chassis. There were less than twenty Aerosport coupes built by the carrosseuir Letourner et Marchand and this car is thought to be the last surviving in the 'notchback' style. The coachwork is among the most celebrated of French designs.
This car was sold new in France but was brought to Australia after World War II. Unfortunately, while there it detoriated and suffered from several accidents. An American collector rescued the car and brought it back to the US for restoration. Happily, the restorers were able to use much of the original bodywork, chassis, and interior. The 115hp straight-8 engine and Cotal four-speed pre-selector transmission were rebuilt.
This is one of those cars that comes up for sale and everyone takes notice. Its provenance, engineering, and craftsmanship are all top-notch. It will certainly be a celebrated addition to someone's collection.
For the complete RM Auctions listing, click here: http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ09&CarID=r121.
UPDATE: the car sold at RM's Arizona auction for $825,000
Read MoreThe 1937 D8-120 was built using a Delahaye engine and modified chassis. There were less than twenty Aerosport coupes built by the carrosseuir Letourner et Marchand and this car is thought to be the last surviving in the 'notchback' style. The coachwork is among the most celebrated of French designs.
This car was sold new in France but was brought to Australia after World War II. Unfortunately, while there it detoriated and suffered from several accidents. An American collector rescued the car and brought it back to the US for restoration. Happily, the restorers were able to use much of the original bodywork, chassis, and interior. The 115hp straight-8 engine and Cotal four-speed pre-selector transmission were rebuilt.
This is one of those cars that comes up for sale and everyone takes notice. Its provenance, engineering, and craftsmanship are all top-notch. It will certainly be a celebrated addition to someone's collection.
For the complete RM Auctions listing, click here: http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=AZ09&CarID=r121.
UPDATE: the car sold at RM's Arizona auction for $825,000
