The name Hispano-Suiza translates from French to “Spanish-Swiss,” which is appropriate, as this superb French automobile was born from the genius of Swiss engineer Marc Birkigt and was originally produced in Barcelona, Spain.

However, it would be the Hispano-Suizas built in France that became most legendary.

In particular, the H6B sported an aircraft-derived six-cylinder engine, employing machined steel cylinders with integral combustion chambers in a cast aluminum block, with two valves per cylinder driven by a single-overhead camshaft and a pressure-lubricated crankshaft turning on seven main bearings.

The engine produced 135 horsepower with truly impressive torque and smoothness, matched by a chassis with advanced servo-assisted four-wheel brakes and custom coachwork offered by the world’s finest craftsmen.

The H6B offered here was custom-bodied by the renowned Hooper & Company of London, to a design not dissimilar from their open tourers on Rolls-Royce chassis of the era.

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