1953 – Delahaye VLRD

French vintage vehicle registration certificate

Sold without an MOT

‘The most sophisticated of the Jeeps, formerly owned by Claude Delagneau’

After the Second World War, it was time for reconstruction – for France, its army and its industry. And whilst surplus stocks were brimming with Ford and Willys Jeeps, national pride prompted the government to entrust Delahaye, one of France’s most prestigious marques, with the task of developing a French Jeep.

The Delta project was therefore launched by the Delahaye teams and was tested by the French army as early as 1949. In 1951, the VLR (short for Véhicule Léger de Reconnaissance, or Light Reconnaissance Vehicle) went into production and served as the army’s official vehicle until 1954… when the company went bankrupt and handed over the production of military 4x4s to Hotchkiss.

It is worth noting that Delahaye had created a state-of-the-art Jeep: a synchronised 4-speed gearbox, independent torsion bar suspension, a lockable differential, a dry-sump engine, and numerous mechanical components made of aluminium… But it was precisely this sophistication that led to its downfall.

This rare VLR is in very good overall condition and boasts a highly appealing degree of authenticity. It was owned by the former and charismatic president of the FFVE, Claude Delagneau, who had it restored to the condition in which it remains today.

Rare, and more original than a Willys Jeep, the Delahaye VLR is an extremely interesting model from both a historical and technical perspective. And far more affordable… Watch this space!

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