Owner Sam Mann of New Jersey granted Automodello full access to the sleek, aerodynamic 1:1 coupe. Mr. Mann's astounding and enviable collection of classic cars includes three other Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance winners: a 1932 Chrysler factory-bodied special Speedster (in 1991), a 1938 Delage D8-120 de Villars Cabriolet (1996) and a 1934 Voisin C15 ETS Saliot Roadster (2002) - but he is especially proud of the Delage D8-120 S. He explains: "The car was originally commissioned by none other than Louis Delage for his own use. Built on a D8-120 S chassis, design of the all-aluminum bodywork was assigned to Georges Paulin, chief stylist for renowned coachbuilder Marcel Pourtout. Paulin lowered the car's suspension to create an aerodynamic masterpiece. In complete contrast to other designers of the day, he did not use any chrome filets or external embellishments; a stroke of genius, facilitating the unadulterated flow of the car's breathtaking curves and tapers.
The prototype was first proudly exhibited at the 1937 Paris Auto Show, after which, Louis Delage enjoyed it for a number of years as his own personal car. During the 1950s, a subsequent owner had it modified by Saoutchik, another French coachbuilder, to better reflect styling of the day, but happily the car has since been restored to its original Paulin-Pourtout specification. The Delage is now safely and lovingly preserved in Sam Mann's collection.
- 24 Homage Edition Black
- Availability: Diecasm
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