$6 million at auction for this French automotive icon?

• Delage D8-120 S Aerodynamic Coupé up for auction.
• Expect a price between 5 and 6 million U.S. dollars.
• The car's specifications.
• Who is Marcel Pourtout?

Since the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance was founded in 1950, only 74 automobiles have had the immense privilege of winning the highly coveted title of Best of Show—the highest honor at this event, considered the global benchmark for classic cars.

Among these rare honorees is the spectacular 1937 Delage D8-120 S Aerodynamic Coupé, a true masterpiece of French design whose sleek bodywork was crafted by the famous Parisian coachbuilder Marcel Pourtout.

Crowned Best of Show in 2005, this car has since been recognized as one of the finest examples of pre-war automotive Art Deco. It is an extremely rare occurrence to see a former winner of this award come up for sale.

However, collectors will have this unique opportunity at the auction organized by RM Sotheby's at the Monterey Conference Center in California from August 13 to 15, where this exceptional Delage is expected to be among the absolute highlights of the event and to attract the interest of the most passionate classic car enthusiasts.

It's going to be expensive!

The 1937 Delage D8-120 S Aerodynamic Coupé is expected to be one of the major highlights of the RM Sotheby's auction, where it is estimated to fetch between 5 and 6 million U.S. dollars. However, beyond its financial value, several experts are interested in the profile of its future owner.

According to rumors, this car could appeal to a younger clientele than the pre-war car market typically suggests. He believes a buyer in his 40s could very well win the bid, particularly because of its exceptional design and unique history.

In his view, the market is evolving rapidly, and interest in the most exclusive pre-war automobiles is experiencing a genuine resurgence. Collectors are now seeking iconic, rare, and timeless models capable of spanning generations while retaining their prestige and historical value.

Its Many Features

The 1937 Delage D8-120 S Aerodynamic Coupé did not rely solely on its elegance; it also offered a remarkable level of comfort for its time.

Designed as a grand touring car, it allowed for smooth, long-distance travel thanks to its 4.75-liter inline-eight-cylinder engine, renowned for its smoothness and quiet operation. Its generous wheelbase contributed to excellent stability, while its suspension effectively absorbed road irregularities.

The interior, finished with fine materials such as leather and wood, reflected the refinement characteristic of French luxury cars of the 1930s. The spacious seats, meticulous soundproofing, and attention to the finest details made this Delage a car that was as pleasant to drive as it was to admire.

Even nearly 90 years later, it remains a symbol of elegance, comfort, and automotive sophistication.

Who is Marcel Pourtout?

Marcel Pourtout remains one of the most famous coachbuilders in the history of the French automobile industry. Born in 1894, he founded his company in Bougival, near Paris, where he specialized in creating custom-built bodies for the most prestigious European brands.

His workshop quickly gained an international reputation thanks to the exceptional quality of his work and his attention to detail. In collaboration with designer Georges Paulin, Pourtout created several models that have become legendary, including the 1937 Delage D8-120 S Aerodynamic

Coupé from 1937, renowned for its flowing lines and avant-garde Art Deco style. He also contributed to the development of the Éclipse retractable roof system, considered one of the first retractable hardtops in automotive history.

Even today, Marcel Pourtout's creations are admired at the world's premier concours d'élégance events and rank among the most sought-after classic cars in the world.