Delage
Delage enjoyed huge success in the 1920s, a period in which French marques were in the vanguard of motor sport. The company was founded by ex-Peugeot engineer Louis Delage in 1905, and within a few years it was building its own engines and body parts, and competing in Grand Prix events. Rene Thomas won the 1914 Indianapolis 500 in a Delage, averaging over 82 mph. A decade later the same man drove a Delage to a new world record of over 143 mph, eclipsing the previous mark by 10mph.
"Hot work for Benoist"
Delage virtually swept the board at the two prewar British Grands Prix, run at Brooklands in 1926 and 1927. Robert Senechal and Louis Wagner shared the spoils in the inaugural race, with Robert Benoist also needing temporary respite on his way to taking third. One of the reasons for the shared drives was a design problem which had the exhaust pipe running too close to the drivers' feet. Trays of iced water were kept on hand to cool the scorched and blistered soles.
In 1927 Delage fielded the 15-S8, which not only had a superb straight-eight engine, but also gave the drivers considerably more comfort as the exhaust system had been rerouted. There was a clean sweep at Brooklands, Benoist this time coming out on top. It was a golden year for both driver and manufacturer, as they also won the French, Spanish and Italian Grands Prix. Benoist received the Legion d'Honneur for his remarkable achievements.
By the 1930s, Italian and German marques- had taken over, and Delage, in financial difficulties, withdrew from motor sport. The company went into liquidation in 1935, though the name lived on until the early 1950s, produced by Delahaye.
