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Delage, France’s Finest Car: A Brief History Part 1

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By Pete Vack

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All images are from the book “Delage, France’s Finest Car”

It is not our goal here to provide any kind of in-depth history of Delage; that is the purpose of the two volume set we describe. The following are just a few highlights of the fantastic cars from this distinguished French manufacturer. Part I will deal with the years up to 1920, in Part II will briefly cover the 1920-1935 years, the difference between Delage and Delahaye, and why. All of this is based on information and images from “Delage, France’s Finest Car, Volume 1 and 2 by Cabart, Rouxel and Burgess-Wise.

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Delage, France’s Finest Car: A Brief History Part 2

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By Pete Vack

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All images are from the book “Delage, France’s Finest Car”

The Great War came and went, and the fortunes of Louis Delage increased manifold as the factory turned out bullets. A failure to ensure munitions quality which caused a scandal. After the devasting war profiteering became an issue, and the French government would argue over how to tax excess war profits until the start of World War II.

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This Week, of Interest

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The Matra MS12 V12, 1970. Photo by Brandes Elitch. To listen to the Matra V12, click on the photo.

What’s in YOUR driveway?

We all know that Ralph Lauren (see below) has one of these in his driveway, and it may even be the one below. Dale La Follette of Vintage Motorphoto sent his our way. Dale says that the photo was taken by Strother McMinn in 1949 in a garage in Los Angeles. I daresay our Bugatti friends out there will firmly nail this one down for us?

Photo Courtesy of Vintage Motorphoto.

Ralph Lauren brings his collection to Paris.

Lauren with his Mercedes SSK. Courtesy DNA.

The only way a mortal might be able to see a great selection of his collection aside from Paul Russell are those who will be lucky enough to attend the incredibly upscale art show beginning on the 28th of April. A selection of seventeen of Ralph Lauren’s most prestigious sports cars from the 1930s to the present day will be on show for the first time in Europe at Paris’ Musée des Arts Décoratifs

For a sneak preview video of his private estate and garage, click below. This video provides an exclusive look behind closed doors at Ralph Lauren private estate where the designer takes us on a personal tour of these stunning machines. Ralph Lauren Collection Preview

Toly Arutunoff Updates Himself

First off, I thank God for saving my life and also for not being able to remember anything. Next: the less said about “phantom pain” the better. I once thought “how can something that’s not there hurt?” Anyway I’m doing physical therapy and additional general exercises–when you lie abed for a few weeks boy do your muscles shrink. And when you’re kinda old to start with, well, I’m adjusting to it and improving on it. I’ll get my C (for computer) leg in the not-too-distant future. A friend who has one rides his motorcycle; my doc looks upon my resuming such a practice with disfavor. I have many dreams about running down the street, scrambling up and down stairs,even being at a racetrack–my favorite so far! Finally, I’ve been overwhelmed (overused word but absolutely true in my case) with the love and concern expressed toward me since early February. Several freakin’ hundred emails, cards, photos, flowers, posters…it still brings tears to my eyes as I think of all you guys’ feelings for me. Thank you so very very VERY much! Karen thanks you for your prayers (as do I). She knows they’re helping my recovery, so I’ll be able to have autonomy and every day won’t be, as she sez, like the movie “Groundhog Day.”

There are five new articles this week, so please, scroll down!

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Alfa March Indy Cars
Twenty one years ago Alfa Romeo made its last appearance at the Indianapolis 500 with a promising effort put forth by the Patrick Team of Chip Ganassi. In this exclusive report, Roberto Motta tracks the history of the March-Alfa Romeos.
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Bugatti Before Cars
Larry Crane takes us on an exclusive tour of the furniture of Carlo Bugatti on display in the Mullin Museum, which in addition to cars, celebrates the art of the first half of the Twentieth Century with a focus on the decorative arts movement universally known as “Art Deco.”
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Nardi Book Review
“Enrico Nardi, a fast life” is mot only a biography but a remarkable compendium of races in which Nardi cars participated plus a full history of the marque itself, from 1947 to 1957. Read the review again and you’ll end up ordering one of the few remaining English versions left!
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Paris Retro, Art on Art
John Sexton and Jodi Ellis teamed up to bring us a delightful look at the Paris Retro. Retro is amazing, with cars, parts, books, models, glass, and posters. Sexton, a French car expert and Ellis, a superb layout artist, show us Retro as never been seen before, from Panhard to Voisin.
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Great Reasons to Subscribe to Our Premium Service

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Alfas on the Track
Jeff Allison, editor of “Prancing Horse”, switches to Alfas and writes a first hand tribute to Alfa Romeo’s 100th anniversary. Many unpublished color photos from races where Alfas competed in 1972 and 1974. In two parts.
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An Atlantic Reappears
Much of the breathless reportage in the business and popular press of the recent sale of a Type 57SC Bugatti Atlantic focused on its price and the supposed fact that there were only two — some said three – Atlantics built. Michael T. Lynch tells all.
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Le Mitiche Sport a Bassano
What is Le Mitiche Sport a Bassano? Roughly, it means “Mythic Sport Cars in Bassano”. Bassano is more correctly Bassano del Grappa, and Grappa is a Brandy. It’s nice to have both an entrant and an organizer write the story of this delicious event in Italy.
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Rebel Rebel
Probably not unique, this book is the only hardbound-full sized volume I have on my shelves that is devoted to only one serial number (2819 GT). The subject is “Rebel Rebel”, a book about the legendary Ferrari “Breadvan”. An in-depth review of a best seller.
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OSCA 1600 GT at Le Mans: Heads and Tails Part I

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By Pete Vack and John Gordon

While researching the story of the two Le Mans OSCA 1600GTs, we became delightfully enmeshed in the elusive search for truth and justice, Italian style. Heads, we searched rare OSCA twin plug heads created for a few of the GTS designated cars; and tails, we entertained discussions on the numbers and types of 1600s built with a solid rear axle versus the IRS. Serving as an anchor to our story is Sebring Index winner (1960, OSCA 750) John Gordon, who purchased OSCA 1600GTS s/n 0036 to race at Le Mans in 1962. Gordon, a rocket engineer by profession, OSCA pilot by choice, was an insightful and intelligent eyewitness to the events of that legendary era.
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Hi Def Clipsal

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Maximum Impact from the lense of Bob Taylor
Story by Vince Johnson

The V8 supercars were back in town for the Clipsal meeting on South Australia’s Adelaide street circuit in March. While the home-grown Holdens and Fords had the track to themselves for two 250km races over the weekend, the GTs had centre stage on Friday evening. The first round of the 2011 Vodka O Australian GT Championship kicked off with a one-hour race into the sunset following Thursday’s practice and qualifying.
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Concours d’Elegance of America includes Track Event

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Concours d’Elegance of America Announces Track Event

TROY, MI–The Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s (formerly held at Meadow Brook Hall) is pleased to announce the First Annual Concours Track Event at Michigan International Speedway (MIS). Owners of classic cars from around the country are invited to bring their machines to MIS on Friday, July 29, 2011 to experience thrill of driving on a high speed raceway.
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OSCA 1600GT at Le Mans Part I
Part I deals with the team of John Gordon and John Bentley, whose exploits and successes at Le Mans and Sebring in a 750 cc OSCA led to the drive of an official OSCA factory entry at Le Mans. Their mount was the only flat-topped Zagato coupe, with a twin plug head and live rear axle. Co authored by Sebring Index winner John Gordon himself. Part I will be published April 13th.

OSCA 1600GT at Le Mans Part II
There were two OSCA 1600GT entries at Le Mans in 1962, s/n 0036, driven by Gordon and Bentley, and 007, entered by N.A.R.T. for Arents/Behra. Yet 007 appeared to be a very stock GT2 model, with IRS and a 108 hp single plug engine. We investigate these mysteries; relate what happened to the cars at Le Mans, and where they are now. Co authored by John Gordon. Part II will be published on April 20th.

Alfa Giulietta Berlina Manual
Part of an in-depth series of Premium articles about the much-neglected Alfa Giulietta Berlina, this segment offers a rare look at a Alfa 1300 Berlina owner’s manual. The series also includes factory brochures, a full history, variants, and much more, all dedicated to what should have been the most advanced sporting saloon of the 1950s.
Coming soon.

Savonuzzi, the Designer, Part II
In Part II of Savonuzzi, the Designer takes us from Ghia to Chrysler, then on to Fiat. Never-before published documents and photos illustrate Savonuzzi’s role in the Ghia Chrysler Turbine and his fascinating American adventure. Written with the help of his daughter Alberta, Savonuzzi, the Designer describes his accomplishments and frustrations while at Chrysler. April 6th.
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Incredible Balilla Spider Barn Find: SOLD!

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What you need to know:
Is it for sale? SOLD

The vast majority of enthusiasts cannot afford a pre War Italian sports car. This Fiat Balilla, a truly rare barn find, may be the last opportunity to own a genuine pre War Italian classic at an affordable price.

By Steve Gurr and Pete Vack

All photos by Steve Gurr

Last month Steve Gurr and his wife were minding their own business happily driving to their home in Gainesville, Ga. when they spotted what looked like an old Austin Bantam on a trailer a short distance ahead. Catching up, a closer look revealed a pre-war Fiat roadster with a “Balilla” script across the grille.

Steve is a longtime car enthusiast who has owned MGs, Porsches, Miatas. He owned only one Italian car, an Alfa GTV, but was astute enough to know that he should find out more about whatever kind of Fiat was on that trailer. At the next traffic light he hopped out and approached the driver. “What are you going to do with the car?” he asked. The two young men in the truck enthusiastically hollered back, “Want to buy it? We have more!”
By Steve’s watch, it was about 4 P.M. on Sunday when the traffic light turned green.

Ahead of Steve and his wife in the traffic of an Atlanta suburb was a Fiat Balilla, identified by the script on the grille. It turned out to be a 508 M, found in Ethiopia and probably used in the Italian-Ethiopian war in the mid 1930s. This would lead to the discovery of the Balilla Coppa d’ Oro.

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VeloceToday Interview: SPEED’s Bob Varsha, Part II

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In Part I of VeloceToday’s exclusive interview with Bob Varsha, he discussed how the Formula 1 SPEED team evolved, took us on behind-the-scenes tour of the studio, and talked about the future of F1 in the U.S. In Part II Varsha talks about Monterey coverage, the BJ Auctions and his most memorable moments as a broadcaster.

Surprisingly SPEED’s Formula 1 anchor Bob Varsha was brought up not as a car enthusiast, driver, mechanic or designer but a lawyer by profession and a cross country runner by choice. Yet for over 20 years, Varsha has reported on our favorite sport with great enthusiasm, in-depth knowledge and professionalism far above par. Unflappable, with a magnetic memory and smooth, even, assured delivery, he is an anchor’s anchor, rising above the noise and screams and conjecture whether at BJ Auctions or a Formula 1 race. It would be hard to imagine watching a Formula 1 event without Varsha at the helm.

David Seibert is well known to Ferrari race fans and VeloceToday readers, having been in charge of the U.S. Ferrari Historics for many years. A long-time friend of Varsha’s, Seibert conducted this exclusive two-part VeloceToday interview with the dean of Formula 1 broadcasters.

Interview by David Seibert, Interview photos by Sidell Tilghman

VeloceToday: Will SPEED be doing more programs like Victory by Design and Behind the Headlights?
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Phillip Island Classic, Australia, 2011

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Story and photos by Vince Johnson

Australia 18-20 March 2011

Maserati 250Fs haven’t been thick on the ground at race meetings since the fifties, but there were three of them at the Phillip Island Classic in March. During Sunday’s lunchtime demonstration they ran together for several laps. Peter Giddings in 2501/2523, Tom Price in #2525 and Jeffrey O’Neill in #2527 were obviously enjoying the moment. They’d filled the podium in their first race on Saturday morning in that order, proving they weren’t there just to circulate, and the sound of these three Italian classics had grown men misty eyed.
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