1925 – Delage DI Torpedo 

French vintage vehicle registration document 

An iconic ‘torpedo’ car from the Roaring Twenties, with robust and reliable mechanics, ideal for those new to pre-war motoring.

The Delage DI was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1923. It succeeded the Delage DE and went on to become one of the brand’s greatest commercial successes, with over 9,000 units produced up until 1928. It perfectly exemplifies Delage’s expertise in the field of mid-range and high-end passenger cars.

The DI is fitted with a 2.1-litre 4-cylinder engine producing around 30 ch. Its five-bearing crankshaft and overhead valve timing make the engine more reliable, smoother and more powerful. With its 4-speed manual gearbox and drum brakes on all four wheels, it was considered modern for its time.

The DI range marked Delage’s golden age during the 1920s. Its commercial success enabled the brand to continue developing more prestigious models such as the D6 and D8 towards the end of the decade. At the same time, Delage gained international renown thanks to its successes in motor racing.

Our example is a DI Series 4 model fitted with a torpedo body. It was acquired in 1984 by the president of the Vieilles Roues Charentaises club. A mechanic by trade, he personally oversaw its restoration as well as its maintenance over the years. As part of this work, the bodywork was given a new two-tone paint finish, which still looks excellent today. The interior and soft top have also been restored and remain in good working order. The current owner acquired this Delage in 2019. Since then, it has mainly been used for weddings.

The torpedo body style is an excellent choice for discovering the world of pre-war cars. Elegant, easy to drive and user-friendly, it offers an authentic driving experience thanks to its open cockpit. Choosing a Delage also means tapping into the heritage of one of France’s most prestigious marques, whose name remains synonymous with luxury and mechanical excellence from the golden age of motoring.