Louis Delage started assembling cars in France in 1905 and gradually started producing his own designs. Sporting success followed with a win in the French Grand Prix of 1907, 1914 and Indianapolis 1914. Success continued with cars of 2, 4, 6, and 12 cylinders; A V12 10.5-litre Delage set the world speed record to 143.3 mph in 1923. The aftermath of the stockmarket crash of 1929 left Delage high and dry. By 1935 Delage is liquidated, although the 'Delage' badge continued to appear on models assembled out of Delahaye parts by a venture called Societe Nouvelle des Automobiles Delage (SAFAD) that was created by Louis Delage and Briton Walter Watney. All production ended in 1953 and both Delage and Delahaye were taken over by Hotchkiss, who in turn were reduced to producing American Jeeps under licence until 1966