Hispano-Suiza 12/15 HP double phaéton
French registration Engine # 2180 - Prestigious brand - Old and rare - Body ideal for casual drives Since the creation of the Hispano-Suiza in 1904, the cars were built to very high standards of comfort and mechanical refinement. One reason for this refinement is related to the personality of the chief engineer, Marc Birkigt, a Swiss citizen, who was involved in the design of the automotive brand. Abandoning large displacement engines too, he was aware of the importance of lighter weight, for a mechanical providing for a good compromise between size and power. Particular attention was paid to the suspensions, which were designed to withstand the rough roads of the time and provide comfort to the occupants. Thus was born the reputation of the brand throughout its existence, as a fierce competitor to carmakers of the level of Rolls-Royce. The car on offer, as per its registration book is a Hispano-Suiza 12/15 HP from 1908. Plates fixed on both sides of the double phaeton body suggests that it was designed by the coachbuilders J. Rothschild et Fils, but we have no certainty as to its original design. A very similar looking body can be seen in page 364 of the book "The Hispano-Suiza 1889-1915" by Emilio Paulo. It shows signs of restoration and has beautiful old seats (despite a small tear in the back seat). Powered by a four-cylinder side-valve monobloc, the car is equipped with artillery wheels and beautiful Ducellier lamps. Its current owner acquired the car in 2007 from an amateur who had it since 1960. A drive in the company of seller we found the car to be in a good condition. This car represents a rare opportunity to acquire a Hispano-Suiza from that period, given that there are very few survivors from that period, and that too in a condition to be able to maintain the pace in rallies for similar Edwardians.
French registration Engine # 2180 - Prestigious brand - Old and rare - Body ideal for casual drives Since the creation of the Hispano-Suiza in 1904, the cars were built to very high standards of comfort and mechanical refinement. One reason for this refinement is related to the personality of the chief engineer, Marc Birkigt, a Swiss citizen, who was involved in the design of the automotive brand. Abandoning large displacement engines too, he was aware of the importance of lighter weight, for a mechanical providing for a good compromise between size and power. Particular attention was paid to the suspensions, which were designed to withstand the rough roads of the time and provide comfort to the occupants. Thus was born the reputation of the brand throughout its existence, as a fierce competitor to carmakers of the level of Rolls-Royce. The car on offer, as per its registration book is a Hispano-Suiza 12/15 HP from 1908. Plates fixed on both sides of the double phaeton body suggests that it was designed by the coachbuilders J. Rothschild et Fils, but we have no certainty as to its original design. A very similar looking body can be seen in page 364 of the book "The Hispano-Suiza 1889-1915" by Emilio Paulo. It shows signs of restoration and has beautiful old seats (despite a small tear in the back seat). Powered by a four-cylinder side-valve monobloc, the car is equipped with artillery wheels and beautiful Ducellier lamps. Its current owner acquired the car in 2007 from an amateur who had it since 1960. A drive in the company of seller we found the car to be in a good condition. This car represents a rare opportunity to acquire a Hispano-Suiza from that period, given that there are very few survivors from that period, and that too in a condition to be able to maintain the pace in rallies for similar Edwardians.