Factory records on file for chassis 14018 list a delivery date of December 30, 1936, with coachwork specified by Saoutchik. Jacques Saoutchik is best known for flamboyant designs often accessorized with ornate trim. In contrast, this masterfully penned cabriolet demonstrates a great degree of restraint on the part of the designer, while incorporating a lengthy hood, sweeping clamshell front fenders, a low and aggressively raked windscreen and an abbreviated rear deck perfectly positioned on the 146-inch-wheelbase chassis. This car made its debut at the 1936 Paris Salon, and a period Hispano-Suiza catalog illustrates this Saoutchik design described as a 5-passenger convertible.
The car was acquired by its current owner in 2010, and an extensive two-year restoration was immediately commissioned. California-based specialists participating in this exacting endeavor included the renowned Phil Reilly & Company, addressing the engine, chassis and mechanical components. Notably, the restoration of the J12’s engine included the installation of an extremely rare, long-stroke crankshaft which increased the displacement to an astounding 11.3 liters, with an estimated 250 horsepower — an option believed to have been fitted to just two J12s in period. Rounding out the restoration, Brian Hoyt’s Perfect Reflections completed the paint and body, and the acclaimed Ken Nemanic was charged with all upholstery work, in one of his final projects before retirement.
The J12 made its post-restoration debut at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance as part of a featured class celebrating Saoutchik coachwork. It was selected as the poster car that year, beautifully portrayed by artist Jay Koka, who positioned it in front of The Lodge at Pebble Beach.
An estimated 114 of the J12 models were built and about half are believed extant. Open coachwork among these survivors is much more scarce, with an estimated 10 still equipped with original bodies. Of these, almost none have the grace, style and undeniable beauty of this Saoutchik masterpiece. This truly stunning Hispano-Suiza showcases the engineering brilliance of Marc Birkigt’s magnum opus J12 chassis, finished to world-class standards.
SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 1936 Hispano-Suiza J12 Cabriolet |
| Years Produced: | 1931–38 |
| Number Produced: | About 120 |
| Tune Up Cost: | $3,000 (estimated) |
| Chassis Number Location: | On passenger’s side firewall, either inside the cabin or engine compartment |
| Engine Number Location: | On oil-filler cap |
| Club Info: | Friends of Hispano-Suiza |
| Website: | http://www.hispano-suiza.org |
| Alternatives: | 1936–39 Rolls-Royce Phantom III, 1929–37 Duesenberg Model J, 1930–40 Cadillac V16 |
This car, Lot 155, sold for $2,040,000, including buyer’s premium, at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach, CA, auction on August 19, 2023.
Hispano-Suiza was founded in 1904 in Spain. The “Suiza” part of the name refers to Marc Birkigt, a brilliant young engineer from Switzerland. Birkigt was responsible for the design of virtually all Hispanos until the demise of the automotive side of the company in 1938. He was also responsible for the design of a radical airplane engine used by Allied forces during World War I.
In 1914, Hispano-Suiza opened a factory near Paris, primarily to produce aircraft engines for the war effort. In 1918, most of the facility was switched to automobile manufacture, although airplane engines remained an important part of the business. The French side of the company quickly became dominant, but some cars were still produced in Spain.
Right from the beginning, Birkigt made some of the best cars in the world. When Parisian production of the H6 began, the car was universally recognized as the greatest luxury vehicle of the time. Unlike its competitors, the H6 was easy to handle, with light steering and proper brakes. You didn’t need a muscular chauffeur to drive you around. The 6-cylinder, 6½-liter engine was smooth and quiet, with plenty of power. In 1924 an 8-liter version was offered for the more-sporting driver; it was capable of a top speed of 110 mph.
Six times two
Birkigt had always dreamed of building a V12-powered car, and in 1931 he did just that. The J12, true to Hispano’s reputation, was a masterpiece and often considered among the greatest touring cars in-period. The 9½-liter engine was capable of powering the two-ton car to 60 mph in under 12 seconds, and could cruise at 100 mph. When the British magazine Autocar tested one, the headline was “A Car Magnificent; Astonishing Acceleration and Ease of Performance.”
A 3-speed gearbox may seem lacking in comparison with modern vehicles, but the big engine had globs of torque and probably could have gotten away with only two speeds. Instead of twin overhead camshafts, a single camshaft was nestled within the V, with pushrod valves. This resulted in smoother and quieter running than the previous 6-cylinder models. The aluminum block ensured a minimum of weight over the front axle, and coupled with servo-assisted brakes, the big car was a delight to drive.
Re-restored, again
Curiously, according to records, our subject car was delivered new to England. The first owner must have known about the reputation of Saoutchik. Author David Scott-Moncrieff may have owned the car next for a brief time, and in 1965 it was purportedly used in a Romanian film. Then taken to Paris with an engine problem, it was purchased by the owner of a French automobile magazine, who already had another J12. But alas, he didn’t have the wherewithal to recommission the car and eventually sold it to French film producer Michel Seydoux, who simply bought a workshop owned by an ex-Hispano mechanic to have it restored.
Seydoux was the first of a number of illustrious collectors who all lavished a great deal of money on the car. Over the past 50 years, nobody has been looking at their checkbook, wondering if they will get their money back. For some reason, each new owner re-restored it. The last restoration reads like a who’s who of the finest American specialists. The amount of money spent must be mind boggling.
Buy why not? The J12 chassis was the finest grand-touring car of the period, and Saoutchik was right at the top of the game. This car is arguably the most elegant 4-seat cabriolet produced on a J12 chassis. Of the 120 chassis produced, this is a rare surviving cabriolet, and apart from a 2-seat version, also by Saoutchik, probably the most handsome survivor.
Given away?
The Hispano-Suiza stork mascot, associated with these cars since 1918, is instantly recognizable. Just as the stork mythically brings babies to caring families, the family that purchased this piece of history will undoubtedly cherish their prize for many years to come. And the previous custodian will undoubtedly regret essentially giving it away.
Gooding & Company sold this car at its annual Pebble Beach Auctions for just $2.04m. The estimate was $2.5m to $3.5m. To nudge the bidders along, the catalog said the car was to be invited to the lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance the day after its sale. Surely a tempting prod? But obviously not enough.
Except for a few highly desirable cars, the pre-war market has been in freefall for the past few years and appears to have bottomed out. Call this one extremely well bought. ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of Gooding & Company.)
