1911 Delaunay Belleville Model HB4 Tourer

Lot details
Registration No: KS 594
Chassis No: 3783
Mot Expiry: Aug 2012

Whilst the clientele for the larger and more luxurious Delaunay-Belleville models was every bit as aristocratic as the firm's name suggests, like Napier here in the UK, the French company's range of models was extensive. At the time when this example left the factory in the St Denis district of Paris, the firm's fortunes were at their zenith, and - famously - their top customers included the Russian and Belgian royal families. An old-established and highly respected company, Delaunay's main product was boilers for steam generation, for factories and especially for marine use; heavy engineering indeed, and it is said that the characteristic identification feature of the marque, its cylindrical bonnet and round radiator reflect that heritage. Even if that is a myth, Delaunays were the most prominent of a number of makers who adopted this styling feature.

The first Delaunay-Bellville cars appeared on the roads back in 1904, and after the arrival of the famous designer, Marius Barbarou, these cars soon became a byword for their overall excellence and especially smoothness and silence, this at a time when such qualities were rare indeed. Barbarou's insistence on short and substantial crankshafts in his engines resulted in low levels of vibration. Likewise, D-B had been pioneers of mechanically operated inlet valves. The 1930s were not kind to many luxury car makers, and Delaunay was but one make that suffered from difficult trading conditions. Despite that, it was the immediate post war years which saw the last batch of 14 cars completed, after which the distinguished name subsided into history.

This example is a Type HB4 believed to be 1 of 3 in existence. It has a 4-cylinder pair cast sidevalve engine of 3681cc (98mm x 122mm bore x stroke) coupled with a four-speed gearbox. The Type HB was introduced in 1911, continued through 1912, and was rated at 23hp (UK rating). The car is fitted with open touring bodywork in the 'Roi des Belges' style, is understood to be in excellent condition and sports a rear hood for the passengers' comfort. The history of the D-B claims import into the UK, following a lengthy ownership by a Dutch motor museum and it is stated that this car has been subject to a 7-year restoration to a high specification. Dunlop patented (1907) detachable rim wheels are fitted, a useful period specification at a time when it was normal to have to change a beaded-edge tyre with the wheel fixed in its normal place.

The car's lighting includes a magnificent pair of BRC Acetylene head lamps, being supplied by a BRC Alpha Acetylene generator mounted on the near side running board. These are complimented by a pair of Lucas 700 series lamps with bullseye lenses and a quality rear brass lamp. The horn is tightly curled brass work opening into a large brass trumpet with the tube and bulb mounted on the Stepney wheel next to the driver. An AA badge is mounted on the top of the dash board with the dash board including a French motoring clock and an oil pressure gauge. An unusual feature is the water and petrol filler cap - in common with some other French cars of the period, this clever cap is released by an upward pull on its central knob. The near side running board also houses a tool carrying compartment. `KS 594' is an attractive period registration number issued by Roxburgh County Council early in 1914, and has been transferred to the Delaunay in recent times.

This vehicle is both powerful and highly usable, despite achieving its century in terms of age, and the quality of the Delaunay-Belleville chassis remains a byword.