On the market: an exquisite Edwardian Delaunay-Belleville

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Nothing demonstrates the magnificent grandeur of the Edwardian era more than a large landaulet, and the extravagance, ornamentation and beauty of this 1911 Delaunay-Belleville HB6, bodied by Rothschild, make it a shining example of French automobile construction during la belle époque.

Frequently extolled as France's equivalent to a Rolls-Royce, while Rolls-Royce displayed Classical aspirations through its Parthenon radiator, Delaunay-Belleville made no secret of its long engineering pedigree; its distinctive round radiators were an homage to its past life as a maker of steam boilers.

Excellence in engineering

The HB6 was undoubtedly one of the finest cars of its day, with its puissant 25cv six-cylinder engine. Paired with typically opulent coachwork by arguably the leading Parisian carrosserie of the time, J. Rothschild et Fils, and you had a truly aristocratic automobile. To have bought this in 1911 would have confirmed your place in Parisian high society just as much as having your portrait painted by Boldini.

Sadly, details of its early history are not known, but it was discovered derelict in France in 1965, alongside a 1905 Spyker, and bought by prominent collector Jackie Pichon. It was later bought by the well-known Dutch enthusiast Jan Bruijn, who treated it to a full restoration in the 1980s, after which it won its class at the Concours d'Élégance at Paleis Het Loo. Little-used since then, it looks superb in its mellowed older restoration, and is now for sale for €270,000 (£230,000) with Bastian Voigt of Germany.

Words: Zack Stiling; photos: Bastian Voigt
 

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