Since 1924, Théault has been a leader in crafting high-quality horse transporters. Based in Normandy, this bodybuilder customizes commercial vehicles and trucks for the safe transport of valuable horses, often relying on Mercedes models. Their latest masterpiece is the 12-meter-long “Élégance Lounge,” an exhibition model built on a Mercedes Actros 2551 6×2, equipped with a powerful OM 471 engine (12.8-liter displacement, 510 hp/390 kW). This model is part of the Edition 2 series, featuring numerous factory-installed extras.
3,000 Hours of Mastery
Using the Mercedes Actros as the foundation, Théault’s design team collaborated with Daimler Truck France engineers to make the necessary modifications, including a passage between the cab and the living quarters. The living space resembles a luxury yacht, featuring abundant wood accents and light-colored finishes. It includes a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, hobs, and sink, a bathroom with a walk-in shower and a 400-liter water tank, and a dining area for six. There’s also a television, home cinema, and even a wine cellar.
For overnight stays, the vehicle offers six sleeping spaces across three double beds. One bed is located in a “pop-up” section above the van, which can be extended electronically. Another bed replaces the dining table, while the third is on a platform above the driver’s cab, which can be lowered electronically.
Other electronic features facilitate access to the horse stalls and control a side extension of the truck’s body, expanding the interior to a spacious 50 m². Théault offers tailored interior designs to meet customer preferences, whether that means more space for riders or the horses. The vehicle’s flexible aluminum structure with insulating panels and a polyester exterior can be customized to fit specific needs, a process that took around 3,000 hours to complete for this particular “Élégance Lounge” Actros.
Room for Four Passengers
One standout feature of this Actros model is its ability to accommodate four people, which is uncommon for such vehicles. In addition to the driver and front passenger, there’s a second row with two additional seats, offering more comfort on long journeys.
Customers can also choose between four or eight horse stalls. Each stall is a separate compartment located over the rear axles, divided by partitions. Access is provided via fold-out ramps at the rear and on the right-hand side. Special attention has been given to heat and sound insulation to keep the horses calm and comfortable during transport. The aluminum floor is reinforced with three layers: 15 mm Finnish wood, 10 mm comfort foam, and 10 mm rubber mats for optimal insulation.
The vehicle offers ample storage in the horse area and under the chassis, with extra compartments in the wheelbase and rear overhang. Théault also offers an optional “Tournament case,” mounted on the tailgate, which provides additional storage for saddles, blankets, and other gear, compliant with German road traffic regulations.
A Century of Expertise
Founded in 1924 near Avranches, Théault quickly established itself in the field of livestock transportation, specializing in building vehicles of all sizes, including circus transporters. Over the years, Théault earned an excellent reputation among horse breeders and owners. Today, the company employs 170 people and produces around 450 horse transporters annually, as well as 15 trucks, combining nearly a century of experience with cutting-edge engineering.
