Luxury truck for noble steeds – Mercedes-Benz Actros as horse transporter with “Élégance Lounge”

Avranches / France – Since 1924, Théault has specialized in the construction of high-quality horse transporters. The Normandy-based bodybuilder adapts commercial vehicles and trucks for the transportation of valuable four-legged animals, relying on Mercedes models. As a very special piece of glory, the bodybuilder from Avranches presents the 12-meter-long “Élégance Lounge” exhibition model, based on a Mercedes Actros 2551 6x2 with a powerful OM 471 engine (12.8-liter displacement, 510 hp/390 kW). This is the Edition 2 special model that is equipped with numerous extras from the factory.

Using the Mercedes Actros as a basis, the Théault design office developed the necessary conversions in cooperation with product engineers from Daimler Truck France – including creating a passage between the driver’s cab and the living area. This living area is designed in the style of a leisure boat, with lots of wood and light colors. The equipment includes a fully furnished kitchen with oven, hobs, and sink, a bathroom with walk-in shower and 400-liter water tank, a dining table for six people, a television, a home cinema, and even a wine cellar. For overnight stays, the truck offers six sleeping spaces, distributed over three double beds. One of the beds is located above the van, which can be enlarged thanks to an electric extension, described by Théault as a “pop-up”. An additional bed can be used instead of the dining table, and the third is located above the driver’s area on an electrically lowered platform.

Other electrical functions also facilitate access to the horse stalls and control a side extension of the body which can increase the interior of the truck up to 50 m². With Théault, the customer is king and they choose the interior that suits them and their needs: More space for riders or for the horses, many things are possible. The flexible aluminum structure with insulating panels and an outer layer of polyester can also be individually adapted to the customer’s wishes. No wonder that the planning and construction of this “Élégance Lounge” Actros took around 3,000 working hours.

One special feature of this Actros model is that it is licensed for four people in the vehicle registration document – a rare feature. In addition to the standard driver and front passenger seats, there is a second seat row with two other seats. This provides additional comfort, especially on long journeys.

Customers can also choose between four and eight horse stalls. Each horse travels in an individual box that are located across the two rear axles and are separated from each other by partitions. Access is via two fold-out ramps, one at the rear and one on the right-hand side of the vehicle. Particular emphasis has been placed on heat and sound insulation to protect the animals from stress. The aluminum floor is additionally reinforced with three layers: 15 mm wood of Finnish origin, 10 mm comfort foam, and 10 mm rubber mats for optimal insulation.

There is stowage space in the horse area and under the chassis, in the wheelbase and in the rear overhang. Théault also offers an optional “Tournament case” that can be attached to the tailgate. This case, which is approved in accordance with the German Road Traffic Regulations, offers space for saddles, saddle blankets, and other equipment items.

The Théault bodyshop was founded in 1924 near Avranches and soon devoted itself to one of the specialties of Normandy – livestock farming. The enterprise specialized in building vehicles of all sizes for animal transport, including circus vehicles. Théault quickly earned an excellent reputation among horse breeders and owners. This expertise remains the trademark of the enterprise. Théault now employs 170 people and each year manufactures around 450 horse transporters, using a commercial vehicle base, as well as around 15 trucks.