Delage DM Rolling Chassis

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Automobiles Delage was founded in Paris in 1905 by Louis Delage, an ambitious young engineer who had been working for the Peugeot car company.

The cars he built quickly established themselves as beautifully made sportscars for discerning motorists, the reputation of the road cars being boosted by the notable success of Delage race cars on the track, one of which famously won the Indianapolis 500 in 1914 with another Delage finishing third.

As time went on they became ever more sophisticated, leading the way in racing design and engineering. Throughout the 1920s they dominated the racing scene, winning the first ever British Grand Prix in 1926, among a host of other victories. Englishman Dick Seaman shunned his ERA in the mid ‘30s in favour of a 10 year old GP Delage, breaking his own records set by the more modern machine and running for a whole season without any mechanical work whatsoever.

The Great Depression of the 1930s took its toll and by 1935 the company had been forced into voluntary liquidation. It was finally absorbed into the famous French marque, Delahaye.

The racing pedigree showed through into their road going models, perhaps the most famous of which was the iconic DI range. The tough but lightweight 2 ¼ litre 4 cylinder delivered refinement and smoothness unknown to all but the very best thoroughbreds and could be ordered in more sporting DIS and DISS forms.

These were replaced by the updated DR and lower chassis DM models, the former using a reliable 2.5 litre side valve six, whilst the more sporting DMs had a lusty 3.2 litre overhead valve unit as on offer here. Most sporting of all was the DMS, which added a hotter cam and double valves springs. In all some 2,500 DMs and 5,000 DRs were to leave the Levallois-Perret plant located just outside Paris.

This most tempting project was purchased by the vendor’s late father many years ago. Reputed to have  eminated from Ireland, it appears mechanically complete and its engine turns freely. It has the ‘GC’ series chassis, which would have probably carried formal coachwork, but as the car is offered with nothing but the bulkhead and dashboard, the choice of bodywork will be down to its lucky new owner.

Bidders are advised that this vehicle is being offered with no paperwork.