1930 Delaunay-Belleville TL6 coupé-chauffeur Kellner
French Registration | Chassis #40297
A Rare and Prestigious Automobile
The Delaunay-Belleville TL6 stands as a fine example of French luxury motoring, featuring a refined 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine and an elegant coupé body by renowned coachbuilder Kellner. This marque, once favored by the Russian Imperial Court, transitioned from producing large, prestigious luxury vehicles to more refined, smaller models, while still maintaining exceptional craftsmanship and exclusivity.
A Remarkable Provenance: Three Families in Over 90 Years
This Delaunay-Belleville TL6 has had just three family owners since 1931, a rarity for a car of this age.
- First Owner (1931–1971): Purchased new in 1931, the car remained with its original owner for 40 years.
- Second Owner (1971–1990): Acquired by a company director in the Dordogne, who carefully preserved the car.
- Third Owner (1990–Present): Purchased at auction in Paris, the car was then displayed at Château de Fénelonbefore being placed in long-term storage.
The exceptional level of preservation is a testament to the care provided by each custodian.
An Authentic Time Capsule
This Delaunay-Belleville TL6 remains in an unusually original state, with many period-correct details intact:
- Original upholstery, never requiring restoration
- Leather front seat, weather-resistant for the driver
- Fabric-covered rear compartment, in excellent condition
- Elegant artillery wheels, preserving the car’s vintage character
- Matching trunk and lanterns, along with period interior details for passenger comfort
Though the paint was refreshed decades ago, it has developed a charming patina, adding to the car’s historic allure.
A Star of the Screen
This Delaunay-Belleville TL6 was featured as one of the key automobiles in the 2006 film "Lady Chatterley", directed by Pascal Ferran. Its presence in a historical film underscores its authenticity and period accuracy, making it not just a collector’s piece but also a cultural icon.
Revived After Long-Term Storage
After being stored for nearly four years, the car was carefully restarted just two months before the sale, confirming its mechanical integrity.
With its remarkable originality, aristocratic provenance, and exquisite craftsmanship, this 1931 Delaunay-Belleville TL6 offers collectors and enthusiasts the chance to own a true piece of French automotive history. This is a car that does not just transport its occupants—it immerses them in the elegance, grandeur, and romance of a bygone era.