The Delahaye Saoutchik Roadster – is this the world’s most beautiful car?
The most dramatic of all supercars is this 2-seat roadster which was owned by English movie star Diana Dors. Built for the post-war Concours circuit, Saoutchik was responsible for its extreme body which borrowed styling cues from other earlier designs.
Using the French curves of the thirties with more modern baroque ornamentation, Saoutchik conveys a sense of drama and movement with this design. With completely enclosed wheels, the car’s best angle is its profile as the front has a confusing mix of elements that look like they came from different sources. At the time, the aggressive use of chrome was revolutionary and an emerging trend that the American manufacturers would go on to master.
For nearly forty years the original engine and car were separated much to the blissful ignorance of everyone who could still appreciate its distinct design. Eventually, correct 175 parts were sourced and the owner had Fran Roxas refurbish the massive Delahaye. It made a welcome debut restoration at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours where it graced the shoreline beside the best examples of the marque. Later, the original engine was sourced and it was offered at Sports & Classics of Monterey by RM Auctions with an estimate of $4,000,000-$6,000,000 USD.
