This 1933 Delage B8S Delage D8S Roadster with coach work by DeVillars was the star of the 1934 Paris Auto Salon. Delage sold the car for over 100,000 francs (approximately $20,000) It has a 130-inch wheelbase and four-liter push rod overhead valve straight eight producing 145 bph @ 145 rpm. The engineering team designed a new military aircraft engine and the D8S carburetor was an aviation type to avoid icing, surrounded by heated oil. The cable operated brakes, unusual for the period, are vacuum assisted. Some unique details are a jack mounted to the steering box, a handy wrench attached to the fuel pump and the head lamps have diffuser lines worked into the silver-plated bowls. The first owner was Alejandro Lerroux, Prime Minister of Spain. It was passed through the Lerroux family and then to the Gran Hotel Velasquez in Madrid. This is the original white color scheme. The frame is white, the brake drums and steering wheel are white and the instruments on the chrome trimmed dashboard are white faced.
Design and Features
- Manufacturer: Delage, a French luxury automobile manufacturer.
- Body Style: Roadster, typically featuring a two-door open-top design.
- Chassis: The D8S utilized a robust chassis designed for both comfort and performance, often custom-built by various coachbuilders to suit individual tastes.
- Coachbuilder: The bodywork for the D8S was crafted by renowned coachbuilders such as Letourneur et Marchand, Chapron, or Figoni et Falaschi, each adding their distinctive touches.
- Interior: Lavishly appointed with high-quality materials such as leather upholstery, wood trim, and fine instrumentation, providing a blend of luxury and sophistication.
Performance
- Engine: Inline-8 engine (often supercharged in later variants), delivering ample power and torque.
- Power Output: Typically ranged from 100 to 150 horsepower, depending on the engine configuration and supercharger.
- Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox, enabling smooth gear changes for enhanced driving pleasure.
- Top Speed: Capable of reaching speeds upwards of 100 mph (160 km/h), impressive for its era.
- Suspension: Advanced for its time, featuring independent front suspension with coil springs and a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, providing a balance of comfort and handling.
- Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes, standard for luxury cars of the period, offering adequate stopping power.
Racing Success and Legacy
- Competition History: While primarily designed as a luxury roadster, some D8S models participated in competitive racing events, showcasing Delage's engineering prowess.
- Significance: The D8S was a symbol of luxury and sophistication in the 1930s, favored by wealthy clientele for its exceptional craftsmanship and performance capabilities.
- Influence: It influenced automotive design trends with its sleek, aerodynamic lines and innovative engineering solutions, setting a benchmark for luxury roadsters of the era.
Production and Rarity
- Production Years: Produced from the early 1930s to the mid-1930s.
- Total Units Produced: Production numbers were relatively limited, contributing to the D8S's exclusivity and collectibility among enthusiasts and collectors.
- Price: Today, the Delage D8S Roadster commands significant value at auctions, with prices reflecting its rarity, historical significance, and timeless elegance.
You may purchase a print of the 1933 Delage B8S in our dElegance 2017 online gallery.