1938 Delage D8 120 Cabriolet by Henri Chapron
1938 Delage D8 120 Cabriolet by Henri Chapron
A Singular Example of French Elegance – One Family Since New
Vehicle Overview
- Make: Delage
- Model: D8 120 Cabriolet
- Year: 1938
- Coachbuilder: Henri Chapron
- Chassis Number: 51 631
- Engine Number: 51 631
- Title: French
- Color: Beige with Burgundy Wings
- Interior: Red Leather with Alpaca-lined Hood
- Transmission: 4-speed Cotal Preselector Gearbox
Highlights
Rare Chapron-bodied Cabriolet
Unbroken Family Ownership from New
Original Delage Documentation: Warranty Card, Invoice, and Purchase Order
Elegant Example of French Art Deco Coachbuilding
Highly Original: Interior, Trim, and Structure Preserved
Historical Significance
Produced between 1936 and 1938, the Delage D8 120 was the flagship model of the prestigious French marque. Known for its refined engineering and exquisite craftsmanship, the D8 120 featured a powerful straight-eight engine mated to advanced features such as the Cotal electromagnetic gearbox.
This particular example stands out as a Henri Chapron-bodied cabriolet, a body style of great rarity and prestige. Chapron’s creations epitomized the golden era of French coachbuilding, fusing technical elegance with graceful styling and becoming a favorite among aristocrats, artists, and industrialists of the time.
One-Family Ownership – A Story Passed Through Generations
Few vintage automobiles can claim such a continuous, private provenance. This Delage was:
- Purchased new on 21 February 1938 by the grandmother of the current owner
- Accompanied by the original Delage warranty card and purchase receipt
- Passed down through three generations, never leaving the family
- Maintained, preserved, and cherished across decades
The documentation is nothing short of remarkable, offering a complete narrative of this car’s life—from showroom delivery to present day.
Condition & Restoration
This Delage D8 120 presents in an older restoration, believed to have been carried out in the 1950s or 1960s, likely while residing in southern France (Midi). The car has been:
- Conserved carefully since the initial restoration
- Painted in non-original colors during that period (Beige with Burgundy wings)
- Upholstered in original red leather, still present and with authentic wear
- Fitted with an alpaca-lined convertible top, showcasing luxury detailing
While the car remains structurally sound, it has been in static storage for a number of years and now requires:
- A general mechanical overhaul
- Cosmetic touch-ups (some paint chips and wear)
- Potential full restoration to return it to concours-level elegance
The engine turns freely, and the coachwork alignment remains excellent, a testament to both Chapron's craftsmanship and the family's careful stewardship.
Design Details
- Long, flowing wings and elegant lines, true to Art Deco-era styling
- Low-slung cabriolet stance with a folding top
- Fine wood trim and period detailing throughout the cabin
- Cotal preselector transmission – a hallmark of technological refinement
- Bespoke craftsmanship by one of France’s greatest coachbuilders
Why This Delage D8 120 is Unique
A True Survivor – untouched by the market, never offered for public sale
Documented Provenance – full paperwork dating back to 1938
Prestigious Coachwork – among the rare Chapron cabriolets
Historically Preserved – offering a rare chance to restore or preserve with patina
Eligible for Prestigious Events – such as Pebble Beach, Villa d’Este, Chantilly Arts & Elegance
An Opportunity for Discerning Collectors
This 1938 Delage D8 120 Cabriolet by Henri Chapron represents the finest expression of French pre-war automotive elegance—not only in design and engineering but in emotional provenance and originality.
Such an unrepeatable one-family car, with complete records and exceptional coachwork, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a collector looking to add a historically significant French grand routier to their collection.
Contact us today for further documentation, restoration guidance, or private viewing arrangements.