1933 Delage D8 S Fernandez et Darrin Cabriolet
- Engine
- 4.05L OHV inline-eight, 120 bhp
- Colour
- Lilac upper and lower panels with polished bare aluminum accent beltline and hood sweep
A 1933 Delage D8 S bodied by Fernandez et Darrin, designed by Howard Darrin and built on one of only two known surviving examples of this coachwork style. Originally delivered through Delage's British distributors and retaining its original registration plates, the car spent decades in the UK before crossing to the United States in 1983. Following a comprehensive restoration in the late 1980s — finished in lilac with polished aluminium accents — it achieved multiple concours honours including Pebble Beach, AACA National First, and two perfect-score CCCA awards. It has since been featured in several authoritative publications on classic and Delage coachwork.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$1,430,000
- → 1978Acquisition unknownColonel Geoffrey Sparrowpartial documentation
Wartime platoon commander who later led his family textile firm; car reportedly sat unused after wartime gearbox trouble, though his widow suggested acquisition may have been after the war ended.
- 1978 →Acquisition unknownTim Eatonpartial documentation
Located the car in 1978 according to the Delage Register; no further ownership duration is specified.
- 1983 → 1986Acquisition unknownRobert Friggenspartial documentation
Long-time automotive enthusiast based in Albuquerque, New Mexico; car entered the US and joined his established collection.
- 1986 →Private saleNoel Thompsonpartial documentation
New Vernon, New Jersey collector known among CCCA members for his taste in high-quality prewar marques; commissioned a full restoration and had the car documented in a private booklet and major reference works.
- Date unknownFactory deliveryFirst private owner via Smith and Company (UK Delage distributor)partial documentation
Car was delivered through the British distributor after completion; original UK registration plates remain with the vehicle.
Competition
- 19911991 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance2nd in class
First major showing after restoration was completed; car presented in lilac livery with polished aluminum accents.
- 1991Antique Automobile Club of AmericaAntique Automobile Club of America National MeetNational First Prize
- 1992Classic Car Club of America1992 CCCA Eastern Grand ClassicPrimary First with a perfect score
Event held in Pennsylvania; perfect 100-point score awarded.
- 1993Classic Car Club of America1993 CCCA Annual MeetingSenior First with a perfect score
Event held in Maryland; another 100-point result for the car.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1986RestorationStone Barn Automobile Restoration
Full restoration of paintwork, interior upholstery, and chrome carried out, along with assorted mechanical repairs. Original two-tone black-and-red paint was replaced with a lilac scheme across body panels and fenders, with accent beltline and hood panel left in bare polished aluminium. The hood fabric was replicated using material analogous to the original Darrin-patented textile, and the cabin was retrimmed in lilac leather.
Work was commissioned by Noel Thompson following his acquisition of the car around 1986; completed in time for the 1991 Pebble Beach concours season.
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