Delahaye - All Models (1938)

Step back in time to the golden age of luxury motoring with the Delahaye All Models, a family of elegant grand tourers that began in the 1930s and defined automotive sophistication. Whether you’re looking at the classic 1938 edition or a later iteration, curiosity about the Delahaye All Models price and how these icons hold up today is a common question among collectors. In this guide, we detail what you can expect in terms of cost, specifications, depreciation, and market positioning to give you a clear, accurate snapshot of this legendary library.

• Model variation: From the early 1930s to the late 1950s, Delahaye produced multiple bodies – the trim‑in‑superior “All‑Allure” and the grander “All‑Série.”
• Engine: Most 1930s examples use an aluminum head 4‑valve-per-cylinder water‑cooled inline‑8, 3.0‑to‑4.3‑litre displacement (commonly 4.246 L in the 1938 all‑models). Capable of 80–120 hp depending on the year.
• Transmission: Three‑speed Wilson‑Hodges manual gearbox (later models move to four‑speeds) with a tightly coupled driveshaft to a rear‑wheel differential.
• Fuel type: Regular gasoline; most American registries list “petrol” or “gasoline” as the standard fuel.
• Dimensions: Length around 4.9‑5.3 m (16‑17 ft), width 1.8‑2.0 m (6‑7 ft), wheelbase 3.1‑3.3 m (10‑11 ft). Articulation provides a low, long‑striding chassis ideal for smooth cruising.
• Body style: Saloon, coupe, convertible, and touring variants. Body construction typically steel with a carbon‑fibre‑reinforced shell for later models.
• Weight: Approx 2,300‑2,800 kg (5,100‑6,200 lb), accounting for the large chassis and luxury fittings.
• Wheelbase and suspension: Robust live front and live rear axle with unequal‑length trailing arms, giving a high‑fidelity ride.
• Brakes: Mechanical rod brakes on earlier units; hydraulic four‑wheel brakes fitted on later examples.
• Interior quality: Hand‑stitched leather seats, mahogany trim, custom brass instrument panels, and complex automatic controls, typical of high‑end luxury.
  

Depreciation insights: The real estate of classic cars is unique – while they may hold or increase in value, they also face market volatility and high operating costs. For a Delahaye All Models, depreciation typically follows this pattern:

• First year from the purchase of a private used specimen: 15–20% loss of value, largely due to tax changes, insurance escalation, and potential restoration costs.
• Years 2–5: 5–10% annual depreciation, assuming the vehicle remains well‑maintained and provenance documentation is intact.
• Years 6‑10: 3–5% steady decline, as the model ages past the “classic” threshold.

These percentages are typical for European luxury pre‑war machines, where the first decade often sees the highest loss, followed by a more gradual decline as the vehicle transitions into preservation and museum status. Understanding this curve helps you gauge whether a purchase is a long‑term investment or a short‑term possession.

Comparative context: When you compare the Delahaye All Models 1938 price to contemporaneous luxury marques like Alfa Romeo, Bentley, or Aston Martin, you’ll notice the Delahaye typically sits a touch above the median—capitalizing on its German‑influenced craftsmanship yet priced lower than the most opulent models. In contrast, the modern American “touring” segment, with brands like the Mercedes‑Benson “Classic Coupé,” often augments modernization upgrades, causing price variations that can exceed 20% over original estimates.

In the automotive collectors’ market, the popular segments for these vehicles are:

• European Bespoke: Buyers looking for handcrafted detail, especially those who value original chassis and aluminum painting.
  

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