• Very rare DMS, 50 years in same ownership
• Driven regularly to Delage events and rallies
• Ready to complete simple and rewarding restoration

A lovely and very collectible 1928 Delage DMS Sports Tourer that was in the hands of its late owner for more than 50 years, is one of the standout vehicles of Shannons Melbourne Auction on March 2.

Owned by the family of a late, life-long Delage enthusiast and collector who purchased the car around 1969,  this DMS started life bodied as a saloon, but in Australia was fitted with an attractive three-door aluminium sports tourer body by specialists Historic and Vintage Restorations in Blackburn, Victoria.

Exceptionally rare, with just 10 of the original 340 high performance DMS models built thought to survive, the Delage is highly sought-after in Vintage circles world-wide with examples rarely coming to auction.

Adding to the lustre of this particular DMS is that the great grandson of Louis Delage, Patrick Delage, rode in the car with its owner during a visit to Australia.

During its three-decade-long restoration, the Delage's 3.2 litre six-cylinder engine was rebuilt by Repco expert Lance Playright, who took possession of the Delage's original DMS saloon body.

After its long restoration, the DMS made regular appearances on Delage rallies. As testament to the quality of its mechanical strength, it was driven once to Western Australia, then to Ulladulla (NSW) and around Tasmania a couple of times from its Melbourne home.

Finished in a dark blue paint, it wears black mudguards, has the distinctive polished Delage radiator and signature Marchal headlights and rides on 21-inch black-painted wire wheels.

The paint presents very well with minor patina in places and while its interior is mostly there, importantly including its Jaeger Delage gauges, all three door trims, the kick panels under the dashboard and the seat are all missing from its rear compartment, However, as new wood framing is already in place to support them, Shannons say would be simple to complete the interior restoration.

Offering the perfect platform for the vintage enthusiast to complete the trim and add their own touches, this 1928 Delage DMS sports tourer is expected to attract international interest and sell in the $90,000-$120,000 range on March 2.

For more details of Shannons March 2, 2020 Melbourne Summer Auction lots, visit www.shannons.com.au 
For information on specific lots, contact: Christophe Boribon on (03) 8588 0809, or 13 4646 (Option 6).

For media information and publication-quality photos, please contact:  Michael Browning 0418 324 328
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