1913→1916 Delaunay-Belleville O6
Also known as the 40/50 HP, the Type O6 was introduced in 1913 as the flagship Delaunay-Belleville. The chassis alone cost considerably more than an average automobile and was primary competition for Panhard et Levassor, Renault and Rolls-Royce. At such a high cost, many Type O6s were ordered by the military or heads of state.
At the center of this car is an 8-liter engine connected to Delaunay-Belleville’s pioneering multi-plate clutch and patented oil pump lubrication system. The engine has two blocks each containing three cylinders with side-valve cylinder heads.
Power is sent to the rear wheels by means of a drive shaft unlike the chain-drive found on many models from the era. Stopping power from the pedal works directly on the drive shaft while the hand brake is provided for the two rear drums.
After 55 examples had been made, the model was upgraded to O6B specification. Only a few O6B prototypes were made. The standard O6 chassis was offered with a 3580mm wheelbase while a longer 3740 was available.
Our feature car is chassis 6563 and retains an original partinium body by J. Rothschild & Fils. One of the earliest owners was Mr Edward Daubree of the Michelin et Cie rubber company. It was used in the motorcade for President Raymond Poincaré in the Dordogne in 1913. By 1920 the car was outfitted with electric lights and by WWII the car was stored permanently by the Laurière family.
In 1986 Pierre de Brou de Laurière discovered the family car alongside a Bugatti and began to work on both. After nearly 50 years storage the Delaunay-Belleville was brought back to a road-worthy state using its original engine, a new soft top and a new starter.
At their 2012 Motorcars au Rétromobile sale, Artcurial offered the Rothschild Tourer with its original engine and body. This was the first time the car was offered for sale since it was built in 1913.
1913 Delaunay-Belleville O6 Gallery
See full 1913 Delaunay-Belleville O6 Gallery here
In Detail
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1913 – 1916 |
| built at | Saint-Denis, France |
| production | 55 |
| engine | Type 36 Inline-6 w/L-Head |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| displacement | 7990 cc / 487.58 in³ |
| bore | 103 mm / 4.1 in |
| stroke | 160 mm / 6.3 in |
| front tires | 935×135 |
| rear tires | 935×135 |
| front brakes | None |
| rear brakes | Drums |
| f suspension | Rigid Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs |
| r suspension | Live Axle w/Transverse Leaf Springs |
| length | 3580 mm / 140.9 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed |
| tran clutch | Multi-Disc |
| top speed | ~115 kph / 71.42 mph |
Auction Sales History
1913 Delaunay-Belleville O6 Rothschild & Fils Torpédo 6563 – sold for €471,760 The most powerful pre-1914 Delaunay-Belleville. In the same family from new. A unique opportunity for any collector!. In the hands of Michelin family for almost a century.
Auction Source: 2012 Artcurial Motorcars à Rétromobile
