Summary

This coachbuilt D8 was exhibited in the French Concours d'Elegance in 1938 for its style and elegance. Stunning automotive art.

Details

In 1935, this left hand drive car was delivered to its first owner, Dr Imbert, in Alger. The coachwork was realized by the famous Henri Chapron as a very classic and elegant 2 seater Cabriolet with graceful lines. Immediately before or after World War II and very conscious of the elegance and style required to maintain an image of up-to-date chic, Dr Imbert, gave it to a coachbuilder near Paris, Robert Clabot, for restyling. Clabot learned his modern and 'avant-garde' style from Jacques Saoutchik, who designed the fabulous D8, used by General de Gaulle. This unique style was exhibited in the glamorous and fashionable Concours d' `Elegance de Paris in 1938 with its new restyled body. The French Classic Car magazine 'Le Fanatique de 1' Automobile' published a photo of this car in the no 199 issue. The restyling was essentially inspired by Everett Lobban Cord. The inside is luxuriously upholstered in pale Beige leather. The faired-in headlights are Marshal 'Aerolux' with a chromed streamlined stoneguard treatment. After World War II, during which it was carefully hidden from predators, the car remained in the Fountainebleau area, where it was discovered in the '70's upon the death of its elderly owner. Completely restored in the '80's to the condition today. Accepted for display in the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance but could not attend .