DELAGE D6 70 SPECIALE | TECHNICAL INSPECTION - FLASHES OF MILLE MIGLIA 2014 — RedlineArchive

DELAGE D6 70 SPECIALE | TECHNICAL INSPECTION - FLASHES OF MILLE MIGLIA 2014 — RedlineArchive

Sifting through my archives I found some more interesting footage of another not so well known and rarely seen car: A 1936 Delage D6 70 Speciale! It was present at the Mille Miglia 2014 and was spotted at the (Italian, so always stressful) technical scrutiny session. This pretty Delage is one of the first dual-purpose grand tourers and easily one of the most beautiful cars that has raced and won at LeMans. It was built during Delage’s transition year, back when they were being saved and swallowed up by Delahaye. As such, this car benefits from both company’s engineering and expertise. Fortunately, after the take over, Delahaye realized the potential of sports car racing and Delage’s skill to engineer winning cars. The managing committee planned to make a single chassis with a modified cylinder head for Louis Delâge. He used Delahaye chassis 50688 and modified it to sufficiently call it his own. This included a short-stroke version of the Arthur-Léon Michelat’s 3.6 engine in the Delahaye 135CS chassis. Delage decided his racecar would be bodied by Figoni et Falaschi who had already produced bodies for a stable of LeMans winners and endurance racers. Figoni was known for his lightweight, seemingly-aerodynamic bodies and the one he made for 50688 was his most impressive to date. It was compact, purposeful and one of the first teardrops in the world. Unfortunately, the debut of Delage’s car was delayed after the 1936 edition of LeMans was cancelled due to labor strikes. Instead, the car became a showpiece for Delage and it impressed crowds on the European Concours d’Elegance circuit. It won at its first show in Deauville with Mme Richer-Delavau. However, not before long, 50688 was used for its intended purpose at local hill climbs and sprint races. In 1937, this Delage finally got its chance to race LeMans when sold to the capable hands of Louis Gérard. He and his cousin Jacques de Valence finished the race in fourth and won their class at an average speed of 121.1 kph. This respectable finish was overshadowed by big Bugatti that was seven laps ahead and took overall victory. It was contested as a private entry but likely had some support from Louis Delâge and Walter Watney. After LeMans, 50688 was separated with its body and Delage prepared an open two seat body for the chassis. In this configuration Gerard’s Delage successfully took part in the 1938 sports season and won the RAC’s Tourist Trophy.

About This Footage

A Rare Glimpse into History: The 1936 [Delage](/artist/delage) D6 70 Speciale

The clip page "DELAGE D6 70 SPECIALE | TECHNICAL INSPECTION - FLASHES OF MILLE MIGLIA 2014" offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of luxury automobiles and racing. The footage, captured in 2014 at the Mille Miglia event, features a rare and exquisite specimen: the 1936 Delage D6 70 Speciale.

This particular car is notable for its unique blend of French engineering and expertise from both Delage and Delahaye. Built during a transitional period when Delage was being absorbed by Delahaye, the D6 70 Speciale benefited from the best of both worlds. The chassis was modified to incorporate Delahaye's advanced cylinder head design, while retaining Delage's innovative spirit.

The car's bodywork, crafted by the renowned Figoni et Falaschi, is a masterpiece of art and engineering. This lightweight, teardrop-shaped design was a pioneering achievement in aerodynamics, and one that would influence the future of sports car design. The D6 70 Speciale's sleek profile and compact dimensions made it an instant showstopper on the European Concours d'Elegance circuit.

The footage itself is a treasure trove of information for enthusiasts and historians alike. We see glimpses of the car's technical inspection at Mille Miglia, where its intricate details and precision engineering are on full display. The 1:41 clip provides a tantalizing glimpse into the world of vintage racing, where these rare machines were once pitted against each other in high-stakes competition.

The Delage D6 70 Speciale's racing history is equally fascinating. After being showcased at various concours events, it finally got its chance to shine on the LeMans circuit in 1937, driven by Louis Gérard. Its performance and handling must have been a testament to the ingenuity of its creators.

This clip page serves as a poignant reminder of the rich heritage of French automobile manufacturing, where innovation and artistry converged to produce some of the most beautiful and enduring machines in history. The Delage D6 70 Speciale is an iconic example of this legacy, and its presence at Mille Miglia 2014 offers a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to appreciate its beauty and significance.

As we watch this footage, we are reminded that these vintage cars were not just mere objects of beauty, but also testaments to the skill and craftsmanship of their creators. The Delage D6 70 Speciale's story is one of passion, innovation, and dedication – qualities that continue to inspire enthusiasts and manufacturers alike today.

The clip page "DELAGE D6 70 SPECIALE | TECHNICAL INSPECTION - FLASHES OF MILLE MIGLIA 2014" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the world of vintage racing, luxury automobiles, or simply the art of engineering. It offers a rare glimpse into history, and serves as a tribute to the Delage D6 70 Speciale's enduring legacy as one of the most beautiful and significant cars of its era.

Curated from public records and music databases.