Delage D8, Black, for sale in Hopewell, New Jersey, for $475,000.

For Sale: 1930 Delage D8

If you believe beautiful vintage French cars should be driven, this may be the car for you. It is a 1930 Delage D8 that once belonged to Kitty Brunell, a well-known British race and rally driver. When she owned it, it carried Henri Chapron saloon bodywork. Today, it sports a much prettier Chapron "Racing Grand Sport"design recreated by Automotive Restorations of New Zealand. The re-body was done using original drawings and measurements from the Chapron catalog. Mimicking the "barn find"look so sought after today, the finish was intentionally distressed thereby avoiding the "overly restored"appearance of a fresh restoration.

The unique patined appearance does a couple of wonderful things. One, it thrills everyone who sees it, suggesting as it does that this is some long loved but slightly ignored relic. Two, it gives license for the owner to drive it anywhere. Splash through the rain. Park it at the curb in town. Motor up a snowy lane. Go wherever you want without worrying about chipping the paint or (horrors!) dirtying the underside.

Under the skin, this is an authentic Delage D8. The 4-liter in-line 8-cylinder engine is rated at 105 horsepower. It is fed by a modern fuel pump for improved reliability. It runs quite well. The gearbox is a non-synchromesh Stutz 3-speed plus reverse. Wheels are 18"black painted wires. 11"Marchals light the way ahead.

Inside the four passenger cabin, the seats and door panels are done in unpleated mohogany leather. The gages are elegantly marked in French with long delicate indicators on the speedometer and tachometer. Steering is from the right. There are roll-up side windows and a manual canvass cabriolet top.

This car has a look and feel that is very appealing. It draws crowds wherever it goes. More importantly, it is uniquely well-suited for an owner who is ready for something other than a plastic-fantastic, better than new restoration. Someone who wants a car that evokes the car collector's dream of the barn find coach-built art deco Delage.

Serial number: 34711-C

Price: $475,000