The Delage D8 stood alone among French cars. Its elegance and engineering brilliance rivaled the mighty 32CV Hispano-Suiza. Built in Delage’s state-of-the-art Courbevoie factory, the D8 was a testament to the company’s commitment to quality.
Founded in 1905, Delage began with a humble single-cylinder car. But their vision for innovation was clear. Racing success came early, with victories from single-cylinder cars to powerful four-cylinders. Grand Prix wins at Le Mans and Indianapolis solidified Delage’s reputation for speed. They even shattered the World Land Speed Record in 1924 with a monstrous V12.
Throughout the 1920s, Delage offered reliable four and six-cylinder touring cars. Then, in 1929, they unveiled the D8 at the Paris Salon. Designed by Maurice Gaultier, the D8 was a marvel. Its 4.0-liter straight-eight engine, X-braced chassis, and servo-assisted brakes were cutting-edge. But it was the bodywork that truly set the D8 apart. Europe’s most prestigious coachbuilders adorned the D8, creating rolling works of art.
Photos by Teddy Pieper courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
