Car : Delaunay Belleville Type HB
Year : 1911
Engine : 6 cylinder in line
Bore and stroke : 85×130 mm
Cylinder capacity : 4426 cc
Gears : 4 forward
Brake horse power :30
Maximum speed : 50 mph
Wheelbase : 10 ft 6 ins (3.20 m)
Suspension : front : semi-elliptic leaf- springs;
rear: semi-elliptic leaf- springs with transverse leaf- springs
It is maintained that Delaunay Bellevilles, known for their elegance and robustness, formed part of the Russian Czar’s fleet and that after him they served Lenin and Trotsky. It is certain, however, that this make was synonymous with elegance and refinement over a long period of time. It began at the 1904 Paris Motor Show, when three cars designed by the highly regarded engineer, Marius Barbarou were displayed.
The early models had side valves, T-cylinder heads and shaft drive. The Type HB of 1911 was one of the first 6-cylinders and its quietness, a quality much appreciated in those days, rapidly excited admiration. The bodies, built by the best French firms, added that touch of elegance and exclusiveness to the Delaunay Belleville.
During the war the French firm assembled Hispano-Suiza airplane engines and at the end of the war it resumed activity with its old models, but these appeared rather outdated, especially as it had to compete with tougher, more modern manufacturers. In 1933 it ceased to be a manufacturer of luxury cars. It tried to win itself a new corner of the market with an assembled car (using chassis and engines from other makers) but this failed.
Delaunay Belleville Type HB
