The 1937 Delage D8-120 from the Mullin Automotive Museum collection was the recipient of the People’s Choice Award at the Montecito Motor Classic earlier this month, the museum announced. This marks the second honor bestowed upon the Mullin Automotive Museum this month following its 1951 Delahaye Model 235 Cabriolet receiving the Chairman’s Award at the Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week held in Rhode Island.
Featured in “An American in Paris” (1951), the Delage D8-120 was a popular choice for automotive enthusiasts that wanted a luxury vehicle that was not as physically demanding to drive compared to automobiles from competing marques, the museum said. Known for its elongated form and smooth, easy-to-handle controls, this Delage was purchased by Peter Mullin, founder and CEO of the Mullin Automotive Museum, in 1987 at an auction.
“It is wonderful to be a part of this altruistic event,” Mullin said. “For the Delage to be selected as the People’s Choice is a highlight that we won’t soon forget.”
Held at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club, the Montecito Motor Classic drew 217 cars, a dozen vendors and the largest number of attendees in the event’s nine-year history, organizers said. Proceeds from this year’s gathering benefited the 911 At Ease Foundation, which provides first responders with access to free and confidential trauma-informed counseling, as well as the Santa Barbara Police Activities League, which helps build positive relationships between the police department and members of the community.
