The layout of the Delaunay-Belleville was similar to the Rolls-Royce armoured car although larger, with an engine (likely six-cylinder 40 hp (30 kW)) at the front, crew compartment in the middle and rear cargo deck.

The Delaunay-Belleville’s flat topped circular turret was fitted with a .303 Vickers machine gun, whilst a door was on the left side for crew access.

[2] In 1914 the Admiralty acquired three bare Delaunay-Belleville chassis in Britain awaiting delivery to coach builders, to convert to armoured cars.

[1][2] The armoured bodywork of the Delaunay-Belleville was built and fitted at the behest of Charles Samson, who was unhappy with the early open topped Admiralty designs.

The armoured body, without the turret, was fitted to the chassis of an imported American tracked Killen-Strait tractor.