|
|
|
The definitive book on Delage is subtitled Frances Finest Car. Its a lofty claim, but one which Delages history fully supports. Delages finished 1st and 3rd in the Indianapolis 500 in 1914. Another finished 5th in 1916 driven by the great Barney Oldfield. In 1927 Delage built the 15 S-8 grand prix car, a 1.5 liter supercharged masterpiece that swept every one of the World Championship races that season. At the same time Delage built a wide variety of road cars all with powerful, smooth six-cylinder engines that were favorites of the finest European coachbuilders. This righthand drive Delage DR70 is titled as a 1930 but its chassis number is in the range of cars built in 1929. Power is from a 2,516cc L-head six rated at 45 brake horsepower with a four-speed transmission. The chassis employs live axles front and rear with semi-elliptical leaf springs and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. It was brought to Australia in 1930 as a rolling chassis and was bodied there by James Flood Pty., Ltd. in Melbourne with the lightweight aluminum paneled touring car body with low vee windshield it proudly retains today. It was restored in the early 70s and has been used in numerous events and tours in Europe. It has recently been cosmetically and mechanically freshened. Finished in British Racing Green with black fenders and green leather upholstery and interior trim and a black leatherette top, it has black centerlock wire wheels, blackwall tires, dual sidemounts, radiator and headlight stoneguards, a wood rim steering wheel and a Boyce Motometer. The 4-speed transmission has a unique sequential shift pattern. Appropriate to their reputation, this Delage DR70 is a fast and responsive road car with lightweight coachwork and will make a great rally/tour/event car. Much more rare than a comparable Bentley or Lagonda, it also is distinctive and will make an unusual statement on the road or in a local show. 
|
|
STOCK/INV. NUMBER:
4616
|
|
