<< Prev Page 2 of 2 Dubbed the Delage D6-70 Speciale, the new racer was ready in time, but the race was cancelled due to strikes across the country. Remarkably the racing car was then shown at a series of Concours d'Elegance where its compact dimensions and stunning Figoni body impressed all that came to see it. Early in 1937 production based Delage D6-70s impressed in the Rallye Monte Carlo and Rallye du Maroc, strengthening Delage's reputation for durability. In June the Figoni bodied Delage finally made its delayed competition debut at Le Mans. Behind a Bugatti and two Delahayes it finished fourth and first in class. Sadly the Figoni coupe body was removed in 1938 and replaced with a Figoni & Falaschi roadster body.
In roadster form the 'Speciale' continued to impress, highlighted by a victory in the 1938 Tourist Trophy. Inspired by this success two similar cars were constructed in 1939, but with a lightweight chassis to further increase the performance. At Le Mans the result of two years earlier was eclipsed with a second place overall and another first in class. After the War Watney commisioned the construction of another five racers similar to the two lightweight cars of 1939. Performance was slightly increased and the three litre engine now produced 142 bhp compared to the 130 bhp of the Speciale. Simple and lightweight cycle fender bodies were constructed and Delage was ready for racing again as early as 1946.
Remarkably the first post-War win for Delage was scored by the twenty year old 15 S8 in the 1947 Ulster Trophy. The five new cars and the old 'Speciale' were used frequently in those years racking up several podium finishes and the odd victory. Four cars were entered in the 1949 24 Hours of Le Mans; the first since 1939. Delage continued its good form with a first and second in class and a second and fourth overall behind the victorious Ferrari 166 MM. With other manufacturers coming back up to speed the six-cylinder Delage was finally showing its age. One car was entered at Le Mans in 1950, but did not impress with a seventh overall.
Funds to develop a new racer were not available as Delahaye was fighting an inevitable bankruptcy now as well. The fight was lost and production ceased in 1953. While many feared the Delahaye take-over would mean the end for Delage, it resulted in some of the finest road and racing cars ever produced by the marque. The striking Le Mans racers might not have been as sophisticated as the single seaters of the 1920s, they were equally successful and once again put Delage at the forefront of motor racing. << Prev Page 2 of 2
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Dubbed the Delage D6-70 Speciale, the new racer was ready in time, but the race was cancelled due to strikes across the country. Remarkably the racing car was then shown at a series of Concours d'Elegance where its compact dimensions and stunning Figoni body impressed all that came to see it. Early in 1937 production based Delage D6-70s impressed in the Rallye Monte Carlo and Rallye du Maroc, strengthening Delage's reputation for durability. In June the Figoni bodied Delage finally made its delayed competition debut at Le Mans. Behind a Bugatti and two Delahayes it finished fourth and first in class. Sadly the Figoni coupe body was removed in 1938 and replaced with a Figoni & Falaschi roadster body.