'Delage have to their credit many world's records, including a world's championship, and more awards at the principal Concours d'Elegance than any other car in the world...

To these achievements Delage have added a third and greater.

They have made the highest known degree of luxury and performance available at the price the average motorist can pay.' Delage's publicity had every right to sing the praises of what - arguably - was the finest French car of its day.

In the 1920s, four- and six-cylinder D-series cars formed the mainstay of the company's touring car production.

Introduced in 1924 and very well specified for its day, the DI sports model was powered by a 2.1-litre, overhead-valve engine rated at 14hp (RAC) and driving via a four-speed gearbox, and came with four-wheel brakes.

A beautifully balanced fast touring car, it possessed exceptional performance, with comfortable suspension, light and responsive steering and good roadholding, yet was rugged enough to withstand the...