1937 Delage D8-100 Coupé Chauffeur

One of the most prestigious brands in French automotive history, Delage was founded in 1905 by Louis Delage. After Delahaye took over in 1935, the new D8-105 became the first sporting eight-cylinder Delage under new ownership, built for sophisticated European society and graced with the finest coachbuilders including Carrosserie Franay of Paris. As one of five D8-100 Coupé Chauffeur chassis fitted with Franay coachwork, chassis 50770 was reportedly the fifth produced and the only known survivor today.

It made its public debut on July 14th, 1936, exhibited by Franay at the prestigious summer Concours at Deauville, and is believed to have also been shown on the Franay stand at the Paris Salon in October of that year. This rare Delage stayed in France until the mid-1950s when it was delivered to Mr. Frederick Z.

Tycher of Dallas, Texas, who had it restored and repainted in light grey — pictured in Automobile Quarterly, Volume 14, Number 2, 1976. It was later restored to its present black livery with subtle pinstriping. The Franay coachwork showcases formal yet sporty French lines; the driver's cabin features fine black leather and woodwork, while the rear is furnished with soft grey cloth upholstery and an Art Deco-styled inlaid wood folding picnic table.

A CCCA Full Classic, its mechanically sorted inline eight-cylinder and unique four-speed Cotal electromagnetic gearbox make it ideal for CARavan tours.