1928 Delage DIS Sports Four Seat Special

From very humble beginnings in north-west Paris in 1905, Delage became one of France’s most respected and desirable motor car manufacturers, producing exotic racers and refined tourers. It is thought that just 38000 Delage motor cars were ever produced up until the company’s closure in 1953 and a little over 12000 models are known to exist now, plus a few mysterious disappearances which only enhance the desirability of the marque.  

This sporting 1928 Delage DIS with its rakish lines has an interesting history. It is unclear when the transformation from a fabric bodied saloon to a sporting four seat special took place, but it appears from a vehicle condition report included in the history file that it may well have been in 1946. We understand that the Austin A70 engine was fitted in the 1950s, and that the motor car retains its original gearbox.

Prior to her marriage to Sir John Guinness, Lady Valerie Guinness purchased YV 2754 from the famous racing motorcyclist Stanley Woods, who won the Isle of Man TT no less than ten times, as well as having twenty nine Grand Prix wins under his belt. Stanley understood the dangers of driving at speed refused to sell the Delage to a young woman (despite her being a VSCC and VMCC member), so Lady Guinness asked her father to buy the motor car, reimbursing him afterwards.

The very rare four seat tourer has since remained in the Guinness family and after a long period of storage, we would recommend that a recommissioning service is carried out. We understand that a new battery has recently been fitted and the A70 engine starts and runs very well. Should the new custodian wish to install an original engine, no doubt the Delage Register of the Vintage Sports Car Club would assist.

The history file contains a Spring 1968 edition of the VSCC Delage Register Journal, listing known models including YV 2754, together with the V5C registration certificate, a quantity of MOT test certificates, photographs, correspondence and the remains of a copy handbook.

Auction Date: 8 March 2018