1931 Delage D8N Mouette Saloon

1931 Delage D8N “Mouette” Saloon

Coachwork by Henri Chapron, Paris
Chassis No.: 34410
Engine: 4.0L Straight-8, Overhead Valve

Vehicle Overview

Widely considered the pinnacle of French luxury motoring in the interwar period, the Delage D8N was the crowning achievement of the prestigious marque, described by the company itself as “France’s Finest Car.” This exceptional 1931 Delage D8N, chassis 34410, features elegant “Mouette” saloon coachwork by legendary Parisian carrossier Henri Chapron, and is offered on the market for the first time in decades.

Immaculately proportioned, historically significant, and mechanically robust, this example has a provenance as distinguished as the dignitaries who once chose Delage over all others. Finished in its original dark blue and mid-greylivery, authenticated by Chapron himself in a 1964 letter, this D8N is both concours-ready and a delight to drive.

Technical Details

• Make: Delage

• Model: D8N

• Year: 1931

• Chassis Number: 34410

• Engine: 4.0L inline 8-cylinder, OHV, 105 bhp

• Carburetion: Smith-Barriquand five-jet (Delage-built)

• Transmission: 4-speed manual

• Brakes: Servo-assisted drum brakes

• Coachbuilder: Henri Chapron

• Body Style: “Mouette” Saloon

• Condition: Restored, well-preserved with attractive patina

• Radiator Mascot: Lalique “Coq Nain”

Historical Significance

From the moment of its debut at the 1929 Paris Salon, the Delage D8 stunned both press and public with its smooth power delivery, elegant coachwork, and elite status. Personal endorsement by Louis Delâge himself, combined with engineering by Maurice Gaultier, ensured the D8 was not just luxurious, but highly capable — famously completing a sealed-bonnet 7,000 km European winter tour in 8 days in 1930.

Chassis 34410 was bodied by Henri Chapron, one of the foremost carrossiers of the Art Deco era, whose innate design sense was unhindered by legacy carriage traditions. The result: a flowing, elegant saloon with sweeping lines and perfect proportions.

Ownership History

• March 9, 1931 – Delivered by Chapron to J. Smith & Co., London, Delage's official UK distributor.

• 1930s–1940s – Served as a hackney carriage in London for the Gordon Omnibus Company, maintaining operation during wartime rationing.

• 1950s–1960s – Changed hands several times across London, from Albert Childs to Michael Bizony (Chelsea), and later to John Graham Ireland.

• 1964 – Sold to André Surmain, Delage collector and famed restaurateur of Lutèce (New York). Restored in the U.S. to original specs with Chapron documentation.

• 1980 – Acquired by José Lesur, president of Les Amis de Delage.

• 1990 – Sold to the current Italian owner via Bruno Vendiesse. Engine restored by Gianni Torelli Il Restauro, Italy.

Condition & Presentation

• Restoration completed in the 1960s under André Surmain with reference to original Chapron documentation

• Still wears its original colour scheme (dark blue and mid-grey) and grey cloth interior

• Well-preserved mechanicals with smooth engine operation and gentle patina throughout

• Described as “a great classic with nice patina” by current owner

• Radiator surmounted by original Lalique mascot, a statement of both elegance and collectability

Concours History & Awards

• Villa d’Este 1995 – 2nd Overall, 1st in Class

• Regular participant in European concours and historic events

• Always arrives under its own power, a testament to its engineering and reliability

Key Highlights

✔ Elegant and rare Chapron “Mouette” coachwork
✔ Original colours authenticated by Henri Chapron
✔ Acclaimed restoration with 50+ years of preservation
✔ Well-documented provenance with ties to wartime London, New York’s elite, and French marque royalty
✔ Eligible for Villa d’Este, Pebble Beach, and all top-tier concours
✔ Ideal for family touring, preservation class, or prestige exhibitions