From the City of Lights

When you think about classic and beautiful automobiles from around the world, France isn't the first country to come to mind. Yes, France has produced a number of car lines that have sold and performed well. Today, most of these are compact and midsized cars designed for families. But there was a time when one of the most beautiful automobiles came from one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

A former employee of Peugeot, Louis Delage made the decision to start his own automobile company in 1905. Setting up shop in a barn outside of Paris, Delage initially produced parts. Then they concentrated on coachwork. At the time there were only three employees but one of them was Peugeot's former chief designer.

Soon they were taking parts provided by other companies, filling in what was needed on their own and then "clothing" them in their own body design. The initial cars had just two cylinders and were no match for the competition, but Delage pushed on. By 1907 they had moved to a much larger facility and were at work creating small cars, runabout type vehicles referred to as a voiturette.

In 1908 they tasted success winning a Grand Prix event established especially for those small voiturettes. From there engines got larger, gaining cylinders and horse power, and winning races became the norm for Delage.

World War I saw a stop in the production of passenger cars as Delage, like most companies, turned their attention to manufacturing materials for the war. Mostly they made munitions but also provided some fabrication for the military.

More racing success followed and with it came sales. Delage began turning out luxury cars such as the D6 and the top of the line D8. But the economic backlash of the depression that was sweeping the world soon took its toll on Delage. Then with the onset of World War II and the threat of occupation by the Germans, Delage fled France. The company all but shut down. It never recovered and by 1947 ownership of the marque was transferred to another French luxury car maker, Delahaye.

The Delage seen here is a 1937 D8 SS120 two door Aerodynamic Coupe. This car, sitting on a short chassis, was originally ordered by a European prince. It is a one off, meaning it is the only one of its kind ever made. Indeed it is a beautiful car befitting the city in which it was made.