Albert Marie Louis Delagarde (1898–1990) was an engineer and automotive designer known primarily for his work with French carmaker Panhard & Levassor.
Occupation
engineer
Born
September 5, 1898
Died
April 25, 1990
Overview
Albert Marie Louis Delagarde (1898–1990) was an engineer and automotive designer known primarily for his work with French carmaker Panhard & Levassor.
Biography
Delagarde was born on September 5, 1898, in Vitry-le-François. His father, who was a judge, died in 1906, after which his mother moved to the Rue d'Assas in Paris. Delagarde's early education included time at Bossuet, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, and Collège Stanislas de Paris.
It was during this time that he developed an enthusiasm for motorcycles that lasted throughout his life.
Delagarde enlisted in the French army in April 1917, and was sent to the front in June 1918 in an artillery corps of Renault FT tanks, where he commanded a section. During quiet times he studied for entry to the École Centrale Paris, often while astride the barrel of his tank's gun. Delagarde was wounded three times during his service, and was awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Légion d'Honneur.
