1937model Delage D6-70

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1937model

Delage D6-70

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With its flowing yet majestic haute couture body, gracefully navigating the city streets powered by a fully functional Cotal-made electro-magnetic gearbox...! The 1937 Delage D6-70, imported directly from the Paul Newman Collection, underwent meticulous restoration from the UK to Japan, emerging as a captivating piece in the realm of fully operational collections...!

The owner, just after importing the Delage, proudly stated, “This was something I absolutely wanted to install…!” as he held the glass object “Victoire,” a creation of René Lalique symbolizing the goddess of victory.

In the early 1900s, before cars became primarily means of transportation, automobile ownership was limited, especially in France, where it remained a tool for fashionable self-expression for certain noble, governmental, and merchant classes since the French Revolution.

Luxury cars manufactured in Europe inherited the culture of horse-drawn carriages. Bodies were crafted by coachbuilders according to the preferences of customers, and then fitted onto chassis with engines, reflecting the era’s fashion and extravagance.

Car culture at that time was the epitome of stylish luxury for the aristocracy, with the early 20th-century modern art maestro René Lalique’s Art Deco glass mascot symbolizing a significant mode of self-expression.

The owner, deeply knowledgeable about modern art, avidly pursued information on cars throughout his life based on his extensive past experiences. He quickly caught wind of the availability of the “1937 Delage D6-70” being managed by a prominent overseas collector, realizing that such a vehicle, capable of being driven on Japanese roads, was a rare museum piece. He courageously negotiated directly with the local agent for its importation.

Timing the negotiation perfectly, just as the import process began, the owner immediately purchased a glasswork “Victoire,” crafted by René Lalique in 1928, fitting for the historical context. Though a replica, it fulfilled the owner’s wish, adding a touch of elegance to the radiator cap.

The “Victoire” mounted on the radiator cap, guiding the way like a spiritual beacon, sits atop the shining radiator grill, exuding grandeur. This D6-70, crafted in the 1930s by Coachcraft in Lincolnshire, Boston, on the east coast of England, features a bodywork with four doors, a rarity for Delage. Fully restored in the UK, both internally and externally, it doesn’t betray its 87-year-old age, embodying the quintessential Art Deco image for all to behold.

Entering the cabin through the suicide doors reveals a stunningly beautiful space. One loses oneself in the masterclass of French minimalist design. The interior, adorned with a combination of high-quality mahogany and walnut, complements the rouge-colored leather seats, exuding a simple yet luxurious ambiance. The rear seats, released from a French Delage dealership named SELBORNE, provide a spacious and comfortable experience akin to sitting on a sofa with armrests, with the ceiling at the backseat hollowed out to accommodate a silk-hat-wearing gentleman, preserving the imagined interior of yesteryears.

Now, let’s start the engine! Press the main switch on the front panel to the “On” position… During the maintenance after importation, a properly functioning electromagnetic fuel pump was added while retaining the original manual fuel pump. After waiting a moment, press the starter button. Even when cold, the 2729cc inline 6-cylinder engine starts effortlessly, idling smoothly and steadily, evoking the iconic Art Deco era. The vintage Jaeger gauges, with French descriptions, function properly, notably maintaining a stable water temperature, a characteristic feature of this particular vehicle.

The lever protruding from the floor determines forward or reverse movement. Being a three-pedal setup, engage the clutch like in modern cars, then shift into gear for forward movement. Once ready to move, engage the clutch again, this time operating the “Cotal-made electromagnetic 4-speed gearbox” with the left thumb. This classic Delage D6-70, equipped with a semi-automatic electromagnetic 4-speed manual transmission unique to luxury cars of that era, smoothly cruises down the road with an air of elegance.

Operating the smoothly responsive steering wheel typical of classic cars, devoid of power steering, while manipulating the Cotal transmission with the left thumb, and gazing at the Lalique mascot from the corner of the eye, evokes a unique aura. Steering the Delage D6-70 in such a manner is nothing short of a pleasurable experience. Of course, enduring the envious glances from onlookers adds to the pleasure.

The beauty of those days was said to be so elegant and glamorous, as if it were meant to be sent to a lover as dragées... The history of dragées boasted an unprecedented luxury and price for the time.

DELAGE (pronounced as “Dra-yuzh” in French) is a luxury automobile and racing car manufacturing company in France, founded in 1905 by the ambitious young entrepreneur Louis Delage in Levallois-Perret, near Paris.

During its early years of establishment with only two lathes and three employees, the company expanded its sales through active participation and impressive results in Grand Prix racing, competing alongside Bugatti and Mercedes-Benz. Within just seven years of its founding, in 1912, Delage had grown rapidly to employ 350 people and produce over 1,000 cars annually.

After the end of World War I, Delage shifted from producing small cars to creating luxurious, extravagant large-sized vehicles, earning a reputation for elegance and grandeur. It became known among Parisian gentlemen as “if you’re going to send a car to your mistress, it must be a Delage.”

The early 1920s marked a golden period for Delage as they continued to innovate. In 1923, they set a land speed record of 230.52 km/h with a Hill Climb car equipped with a V12 engine of 10,688cc, DI chassis, large wheels and tires, and three Zenith carburetors. This achievement, along with subsequent models like the new generation 6-cylinder car “D6,” solidified Delage’s position as a leading luxury car manufacturer.

The “Delage D6 Series” was celebrated for its unprecedented luxury and content during that time. Parisian customers commissioned individual designs from designers, resulting in approximately 1,160 stylish custom-bodied cars, which adorned the streets of France during the Art Deco period.

Seven years after the birth of the D6, its evolution, the “D6-70,” was introduced. With numerous mechanical advancements including a lively 2,729cc inline-6 engine mounted on a modern and lightweight chassis, a smooth Cotal electromagnetic gearbox, and Bendix hydraulic brakes, the D6-70 offered not only beauty but also exceptional drivability for its time.

Despite its prosperous growth, Delage, like many other luxury car manufacturers worldwide, faced economic challenges due to the repercussions of the 1929 Great Depression. In 1932, Louis Delage struggled to secure financing of 25 million francs to acquire the necessary molds for the production of the new D6 model. Eventually, the company was transferred to Delahaye, but with the cooperation of British businessman Walter Watney, Delage cars continued to be sold through the establishment of “Société Anonyme Française des Automobiles Delage (SAFAD).”

Following a tumultuous journey, Delage faced further difficulties post-World War II in 1948 when automobile taxes were increased for cars with engines exceeding 2 liters, exacerbating the already challenging market conditions in France. In 1954, Delage was absorbed by Hotchkiss along with Delahaye, marking the end of its automobile manufacturing endeavors.

However, the legacy of “incorporating technology acquired on the racetrack into wonderfully powerful and attractive cars” remained intact. In 2019, after 65 years, entrepreneur Laurent Tapie revived Delage under the name “Delage Automobiles” and unveiled the “Delage D12.” With a newly manufactured 7.6-liter V12 engine combined with an electric motor producing an impressive 1,100 horsepower, and priced at 324 million yen per unit with only 30 units available worldwide, the modern hypercar “Delage D12” astonished enthusiasts globally. Reflecting on the past, the sight of this contemporary hypercar prompts thoughts on the sensation it would have evoked, similar to the impression felt by people in the 1930s upon seeing the “Delage D6-70.” It invites contemplation on the background of an era when automobiles were not commonplace, suggesting that perhaps it was even more sensational than imagined.

Exhibited at the 1937 Earl's Court Motor Show and featured in the 1938 edition of "The Motor" magazine! This meticulously restored vehicle with clear historical records is none other than the captivating sports saloon with Serial #51277 and Body #135 from England!

The pinnacle of Art Deco design in the 1930s is undoubtedly the Delage… This “D6-70” is indeed one of its iconic representations…

Ordered by a certain English gentleman in 1937, this vehicle was built by the Coachcraft company in London at that time, featuring a rare four-door configuration not commonly seen in France. This extremely stylish coachwork was fully restored in 1997 under the ownership of a British collector, with a magnificent exterior paint scheme (Rouge Red & Gris Axinite) and a matching Rouge leather interior…

This special order from England was also displayed at the Earl’s Court Motor Show in 1937 at Delage’s booth and became the subject of the book “Les Grandes Routières – France’s Classic Grand Tourers”… Additionally, the vehicle was reviewed by the prestigious British automotive magazine “The Motor” in 1938…

Equipped with a 2729cc OHV inline-6 engine, this D6-70 measured 80hp during restoration in the UK, and paired with the meticulously restored Cotal electromagnetic gearbox, it offers performance that perfectly complements its flowing grandeur…

The restored interior in the UK embodies the French Art Deco period’s minimalist design, meticulously restored to its original style… While exuding an understated elegance, the interior is extraordinarily stylish, evoking the glamorous feel of the Art Deco era…

Sitting in this timeless space is a sublime experience for art enthusiasts… The Rouge leather seats, completely reupholstered, show minimal signs of use, maintaining their excellent condition… Leather adorns the inner doors, with reproduced storage pockets, offering ample space for passengers both in the front, with independently adjustable seats, and in the rear, with a spacious bench seat reminiscent of a sofa…

The reupholstered Rouge carpet elegantly complements the leather, remaining in excellent condition… The restored headliner adds to the overall cleanliness of the car, surpassing expectations for a vehicle that is 87 years old… The dashboard, crafted from mahogany with Jaeger gauges, showcases the intricate wood grain typical of the Art Deco era’s vintage instruments, exuding a captivating allure…

The spacious trunk in the rear offers ample storage… Accessing it is possible by lifting the upper section or opening the lower panel, including the spare wheel, allowing for deeper access… Additionally, the trunk contains original car tools from the period, with a beautiful patina on the steel…

There is perhaps no other classic sports saloon as elegant as this Delage D6-70… The 1920s and 1930s were the peak years of French coachbuilding, producing numerous luxury cars with highly refined and stylish bodies…

The exterior, repainted in the UK in 1997, remains in overall excellent condition, with minimal visible scratches… The chrome plating is equally impressive, with bumpers, lamps, trims, and radiator surround all in very good condition… The glass lenses of the lamps are clear and bright, with the vivid blue Delage badge still intact on the upper section of the grille…

Furthermore, since its importation to Japan in 2023, various maintenance works have been performed, including overhauling the 4-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, replacing and rebuilding the starter motor, converting the fuel pump from manual to electromagnetic for stable voltage and sufficient charging, converting the dynamo to an alternator for improved voltage stability, twinning the 12V batteries for backup, creating turn signals, and replacing the headlights for Japanese inspection compliance…

A comprehensive history file accompanies the car, containing parts replacement records and maintenance invoices since the 1990s, providing clear insights into its journey… Restoration photos, original wiring diagrams, and UK registration documents are included, with the previous owner noted as the “Paul Newman Collection”…

This 1937 Delage D6-70, embodying a fascinating early history both inside and out, truly stands as a museum piece, constantly stimulating the owner’s sensibilities as a “drivable symbol of Art Deco,” offering supreme drivability and attracting admiration wherever it goes…

After covering the 1937model Delage D6-70

The 1937 Delage D6-70 is truly a museum piece, boasting unparalleled luxury for its time and serving as a surviving heritage of the Art Deco era.

During the filming of a video, the owner remarked, “It’s smoother than recent electric cars – it’s really in great condition, isn’t it?” This statement reflects the owner’s satisfaction with the vehicle’s performance.

Beginning with a youthful Morris Minor 1000, followed by 1960s DKB models, 1930s Citroën Traction Avant, Cord 812 from the 1930s, and then moving on to Rolls-Royce, starting with a Silver Shadow in their 40s, followed by models like the Ghost, Corniche, and Silver Cloud – the owner has maintained an impressive collection of 14 cars throughout their life. These cars have been meticulously maintained and cherished, representing a wonderful life experience for the owner.

With its 2729cc 6-cylinder engine producing around 80 horsepower managed by an inverted Solex carburetor and skillfully controlled by a Cotal electromagnetic 4-speed manual transmission, the Delage D6-70 effortlessly starts and gracefully navigates through modern city streets, akin to a fish in water, effortlessly gliding with speed.

For the owner, classic cars enrich their sensibilities and serve as expressions of their way of life. The addition of a René Lalique car mascot, installed with great care, speaks volumes about the owner’s life philosophy.

When asked why they were parting with a vehicle that had been directly imported and was now in such excellent condition, the owner responded calmly, “It’s not because I’m tired of it or because it’s not performing well. It’s precisely because it’s in such great condition that I want to pass it on to the next person and preserve it for future generations.”

Having thoroughly enjoyed collecting and driving classic cars, this particular vehicle holds a special place in the owner’s heart and is entrusted with confidence to its next custodian.

The gracefully imposing couture body glides elegantly through the streets with its fully functional Cotal electromagnetic gearbox...! Imported directly from the Paul Newman Collection, the 1937 Delage D6-70 underwent meticulous restoration in the UK before captivating onlookers as a fully operational masterpiece in motion!

Absolutely! We would be delighted to welcome you to Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City, for an exclusive viewing of the supreme Art Deco driving experience.

This extremely splendid and rare "1937 Delahaye D6-70" is currently located in Aichi Prefecture.

As it is a private sale, there are no consumption taxes or other fees involved.

Regarding the purchase of this vehicle, the pro-rata settlement of automobile taxes and the recycling deposit will be borne by the purchaser. Additionally, arrangements for land transportation, etc., will also be the responsibility of the purchaser. However, please note that the author’s company also conducts classic car transportation services using its own transport vehicles. Please feel free to consult with us if you have any preferences in this regard.

[Regarding inquiries…]

The vehicle on this page is listed on the cross-border EC site for classic cars and collectible cars, “Estate Sale Supremacy®︎”.

What is the ultimate, the highest (Supremacy) estate sale?

Estate Sale Supremacy®︎ introduces the owner’s cherished car through interviews, manuscripts, and videos, embodying the culture of North American estate sales in Japan. Unlike the sale at rock-bottom prices with nothing left, this is a completely different approach. We earnestly express the owner’s feelings and memories, ensuring a smooth transition to the next generation.

This vehicle, at the owner’s request, was negotiated by the author as the agent of a local collector through our company’s business of “direct importation of classic cars”. The process included container arrangement, marine insurance, customs clearance, de-vanning, land transportation, obtaining inspections at affiliated workshops, and delivering the vehicle to the owner… The detailed history, including past maintenance records and repair history, has been thoroughly researched through interviews with previous and current owners, including inquiries about accident history. We will make every effort to provide as much information as possible during visits and ensure peace of mind for prospective buyers.

Therefore, this article was written based on interviews with the owner and information gathered during the importation process at our company, including maintenance at affiliated workshops and test drives conducted during inspection at the Gunma Prefectural Motor Vehicle Inspection Office, under clear skies on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 10:00 AM, for approximately 3 hours. Please note that comments on the condition, etc., are largely subjective and reflect the perspective of the author, a classic car and art enthusiast.

For inquiries about the listed vehicles or to schedule a viewing, please contact us at the bottom of this page. Please note that as this is a private transaction, viewings will only be arranged for customers who are considering a purchase to prevent unnecessary inquiries.

Thank you for your consideration.