Car : Delage
Year : 1913
Engine : 4 cylinder in line
Bore and stroke : 65×110 mm
Cylinder capacity : 1447 cc
Gears : 3 forward
Brake horse power :-
Maximum speed : 34 mph
Wheelbase : 7 ft 8 ins (2.33 m)
Suspension : front and rear: semi-elliptic leaf- springs
Delage’s racing fortunes began to decline in 1923 and this was paralleled by a similar decline in touring production, despite the fact that Delage had secured the collaboration of a famous engineer, Albert Lory. After the Second World War he would be entrusted with the design of a national racing car which, with the participation of the entire French Motor industry, ought to have defended the national colours with credit in the classic races. It failed, however , just as the 16-cylinder BRM which was created for the same purpose failed.
A 12-cylinder engine was chosen for the 2-litre formula. This developed 120 bhp at 6,000 revs. This engine had been designed by Plancton and Lory who tried to make it more reliable and powerful by the addition of a supercharger. When the new 1½ formula came into force, Lory chose an 8-cylinder which in 1927 won a notable string of successes.
The 6-cylinder D6 marked the end of Delage. It was absorbed by Delahaye and lived on shakily until 1953–when they both ceased business. It is significant that both Delage’s and Delahaye’s brief spell of fortune was due to racing. When mass production swept the luxury models out of the market, Delage and Delahaye were unable to complete.