1939 Delage D6 3 L Reconstruction

On the eve of WWII, Paris Delage dealer Walter Watney partnered with Delahaye to build competitive race cars under the historic Delage name. According to an accompanying report by historian Michel Courtonne, the 3-Liter Delage race car, chassis 51820, competed in the 1939 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by Louis Gérard and Armand Hug, before retiring in the 14th hour. In 1940, it competed at the 1000 Miglia but failed to finish. Chassis 51820 was later confiscated by the Italian government, and pieces from the car may have been combined with components from another Delage in Belgium in the 1940s, which competed locally before dropping out of sight. An accompanying 1966 Bill of Sale copy cites the transfer of 51820 from Fritz Schlumpf to Mr. Catellati, who in turn sold it to French Delage enthusiast Joel Humbert. ‌ Beginning in 1991, M. Humbert dutifully reconstructed the Delage and, following a multiyear effort, the car was granted an FIA Historic Technical Passport in 1997. In 2002, the Delage was imported to the US and joined a respected collection, where it received additional restoration work. Powered by a 3-liter Delage straight six and beautifully finished in French Racing Blue over a tan leather interior, this storied racer would make a fantastic entry to numerous historic road- and track-based events worldwide. Benefiting the Pebble Beach Company Foundation, the sale of this Delage represents a most exciting opportunity. Notes Please note that the hammer price from the sale of this vehicle will benefit the Pebble Beach Company Foundation. The Foundation may issue a charitable contribution receipt for the portion of the hammer price, if any, exceeding the midpoint of the pre-sale estimate. Any such receipt will be issued solely by the Foundation. Gooding Christie’s makes no representation regarding the availability or amount of any tax deduction, and prospective bidders should consult their own tax advisers. Please also note that this vehicle is sold on a Bill of Sale. car

Estimate:£225,105

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