1930 | Delage D6

Some cars simply carry the past with them. And then there are cars that make history—mile after mile, across continents and eras. This 1930 Delage D6 Chapron-style Open Tourer is one of those rare machines: a gentleman’s racer born from exotic royal ownership, later forged into a rally-bred thoroughbred, and now ready to script new dreams. More than just a car, it’s a symbol of adventure and camaraderie, waiting for spirited crews with the ambition to tackle the legendary Peking to Paris Rally.

In the 1930s, Delage stood at the pinnacle of French motoring. The D6 carried a smooth 3,045cc straight-six, delivering a seamless blend of power and refinement. Its chassis was an ode to comfort and long-distance reliability—the very DNA of a true grand tourer. During the tough economic years, Delage held its place as rolling French artistry, favoured by celebrities and aristocrats alike.

This particular Delage’s life story is just as fascinating as its engineering. Ordered new in 1930 by an Indian Maharaja as a saloon, it came equipped with distinctive details like twin side-mounted spare wheels, a luggage rack, and a gearbox shield. From India it travelled the globe, settling in Yorkshire in 1933, where it remained for two decades. In the ’60s it joined the register of the Vintage & Sports Car Club, but after 1968 it disappeared into slumber. Only in 2005 was it revived and professionally rebodied into a graceful Chapron-style four-seat tourer, upgraded with 21-inch wheels to suit endurance rallying.

A Car Proven by the World’s Toughest Rally

This Delage isn’t just a showpiece—it’s a battle-hardened veteran of the Peking to Paris Rally, the most demanding endurance rally on earth. It conquered the route not once but three times: 2007, 2010, and 2013. From the Great Wall to Siberian rivers, Mongolian steppes to the finish at Place de la Concorde, the car wrote its own legend. Along the way it earned a Silver Medal in 2010, prepared by VBE Restorations, and returned in 2013 with Belgian backing from Marreyt Classic Cars.

Prepared for the Road Ahead

The next Peking to Paris may be scheduled for 2028, but the preparation starts now. Endurance rallying is a three-year journey in itself—navigational training, shared seat time, building resilience, and bonding as a crew. With HERO-ERA events like the Flying Scotsman or Three Legs of Mann, there are countless ways to sharpen your skills and your partnership while the anticipation builds.

This Delage comes fully equipped as the ultimate long-distance partner, boasting not only careful mechanical preparation but also clever rally innovations:

• Discreet storage for spare parts and quick roadside fixes.
• A hidden safe for passports, cash, and valuables.
• Illustrated repair manuals to simplify even roadside tinkering.
• Rally-specific equipment including overdrive, tripmeters, extra lighting, modern 12V electrics, and reinforced suspension.
• Extensive documentation, logbooks, invoices, and rally photos documenting its past.

Ready for its Next Chapter

With over €145,000 invested in recent years, this Delage stands ready as both a historic monument and a practical rally instrument. More than steel and oil, it represents the chance to join a grand tradition of adventure and storytelling on wheels.

Curious? Come see it in person, feel the craftsmanship, smell the oil, and listen to the tales. This Delage has already earned its laurels. Now it’s waiting for its next keeper.