A typically fine product of the French manufacturer, the Delage DM featured an excellent overhead-valve six-cylinder engine rated at 30 CV. This was mounted on a chassis with the servo-assisted brakes appropriated from the contemporary GL, resulting in superb stopping power for the time. It was an ideal basis for sporting, high-performance bodywork, and indeed that was often fitted to this excellent automobile.

While the earliest history of this DM—with its very British Weymann patent fabric bodywork—is not known, it has been traced back to the late-1930s, where it was located at “Elderslie” in Beckenham. One S Stride of Keston, Kent, in June 1937 contacted the owner, seeking to acquire the car. The original offer was apparently refused but Stride was persistent and by the late-1940s had claimed the Delage. Miss Laura Stride sold the car in 1950 to Michael Lesley, who in turn passed it to one Roger Kendall of Bretton, Peterborough, in Cambridgeshire.

In 1979, the car was purchased from Mr Kendall by well-known British Delage figure Francis C Annett of Sutton, Surrey. The DM had been located years earlier by Mr Lesley “in the copse” on the Stride estate. While significantly weathered, the car was still largely complete down to its instrumentation and clock, as captured in a series of memorable black-and-white photographs and bill of sale included within the history file. Mr Annett undertook an ambitious restoration project, for which invoices and documentation are also on file. His level of detail was impressive, including a full engine rebuild. This required a replacement correct block and head. The trim was properly re-nickeled as-original and, as much as possible, the car’s original accessories were preserved.

The restored Delage remained with Mr Annett until at least 1994—the last year for which a registration in his name is on file. Three years later, it was acquired by the late Jim Boland at a Sotheby’s sale in London. Its restoration is older now but still in good and usable condition. Finished appropriately in black fabric with a red leather interior, the car wears handsomely patinated wood trim throughout, including rich door cappings and ash receivers. Furthermore, the original identification plates remain under the bonnet—another testament to the Annett standard of restoration. Please note, following a period of static display, it is recommended that the car is inspected by a mechanic prior to being driven.

This is a lovely Delage with abundant character, proudly offered from an exceptional collection known for the quality of its residents.