1939 Delage D8-120S Cabriolet

Cabriolet

hen a car’s doors open in an unusual way, it can

cause a level of fascination among onlookers.

In some cases this appeal is completely out of

proportion with that of the vehicle itself (Bricklin

SV-1, I’m looking at you). That is not the case with

this stunning Delage Cabriolet and its unique—

and patented—doors. This D8-120S was one of only a few of the

Saoutchik-bodied Delages to receive these special doors, which

used a pantograph mechanism to extend the door panels away

from the body. As doors opened, they moved parallel to the body

side and slightly to the rear, leaving the entrance to the front

seat completely unobstructed. Aside from the doors, according

to French car expert Richard Adatto, this car was much more

subdued than the typically flamboyant Saoutchik bodywork.

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