Classic car events have a habit of attracting stunning vehicles and that is the case with the 1939 Delage D8-120 Cabriolet appearing at Salon Prive on the 30th August. The car will be a part of the pre-war luxury tourers class and it certainly has an automotive pedigree. The Delage was a part of the 1950 Oscar-winning film An American in Paris, starring Gene Kelly.
Originally, the Delage was given to the French coachbuilder Henri Chapron as a rolling chassis. The car was equipped with a four-seater body and ‘Bustle Back’ outline. The car was then commandeered by a Vichy general in WW2 France. After the war finished it was shipped over to California. The general was refused a US visa, so he escaped to Argentina. Eventually, he sold it on to RKO Pictures, where it became part of film history.
Receiving a makeover, the Delage came with modified rear lights and a green paint job. It showed up in a scene where Kelly’s character was being shown around Paris. When filming wrapped up, the Delage passed to special effects guru Thol ‘Si’ Simonson. The studio gave him the car instead of a pension.
The Delage became a part of the Mullin Automotive Museum collection and has won awards all over the world. The original Delage D8-120 produced 120 hp and had an elegant appearance. It’s an important part of French automotive history, so the fact that it’s appearing on UK soil is a big deal.
It will be appearing alongside other beautiful cars like a 1930 Lancia Astura. The Astura is thought to be the only survivor of only three fourth-series models developed by Carrozzeria Boneschi.
The Salon Prive is happening from the 30th August to the 1st September. Be sure to check out the official website to find out more about the Delage and others cars that are appearing at the show.
