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The 15 Most Stunning Pre-WWII Cars
By MARK COWLEY
Delahaye Type 165
The luxury variant of the Type 145, the Delahaye Type 165, was shown off at the New York World Fair in 1939 as part of “The World of Tomorrow.”
Delahaye struggled to find buyers after WWII and was eventually bought out in 1954. They soon stopped producing passenger cars, making the Type 165 one of their last products.
Type 57 SC Atlantic
In addition to being one of the most valuable cars in the world, the Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic is also one of the great mysteries in the automotive world.
Only four models were ever produced, but the one belonging to Jean Bugatti, the son of Bugatti’s founder, inexplicably vanished during the war and has yet to be found.
Rolls-Royce Phantom II
Unveiled in 1929 as the replacement for the original, the Rolls-Royce Phantom II featured mechanical improvements and styling tweaks by its coachbuilders.
The Phantom II was designed to reassert the company’s place at the head of the luxury car field. It is widely considered the best-looking of the pre-war Rolls-Royces.
Teardrop Coupe
Talbot marked its comeback with the T150-C SS Teardrop Coupe, a racing version of the brand’s proven T150 engine with a head-turning bodyshell.
The Teardrop drew inspiration from the Art Deco style that was prevalent at the time. While meant for luxury, the car could easily compete in races due to its powerful engine.
Delage D8-120
The Delage D8-120 combined the latest in aerodynamics knowledge with Art Deco flair, giving the car a top speed of just under 100 mph without compromising on looks.
Although prices haven’t seen the same huge increases as other French rarities from the era, the D8-120’s rarity and status have kept it high on collectors’ wishlists.