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1937 Hispano Suiza K6 news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Coach Mouette Coachwork: Henri Chapron Chassis Num: 16069 Engine Num: 333192 |
| | | Coach Mouette Coachwork: Henri Chapron Chassis Num: 16069 Engine Num: 333192 |
The automobile ordered by Marcel Doret, one of the most famous French aviators in history, was to be the very last short-wheelbase K6, of which fewer than 70 examples were built. Once the bare chassis was completed, it was sent to Henri Chapron of Levallois-Perret to receive a custom, one-of-a-kind body tailored to M. Doret's specifications. Once complete, the car was finished in a two-tone color scheme of aubergine with complementary auburn-colored trim. The upholstery was done in cognac-colored leather with richly grained wooden veneers. The work was completed in the Spring of 1937 and M. Doret took the vehicle to his home in the south of France.
After several years of service, the car was sold to M. Escaffre, a resident of Escalquens. Sometime later, it was sold to Yves Dalmier, a resident in Southern France. Eventually, M. Dalmier sold the car to Antoine Rafaelli of Marseille, before passing through the hands of Paul Sac, who later sold it to Dr. Gaston Mathias of Montpellier in 1960. From there, the car was locked away in an old barn and for the next 46 years, that is where it would remain.
In 2006, the current owner purchased the car. By this point in history, it was in deteriorated state and was essentially untouched and remarkably intact, with the original engine, coachwork, upholstery and unique features present. The Chapron body had never been painted.
The car was brought to California where it was disassembled and inspected in preparation for a complete restoration. Over the three year period, the car was transformed back to its original glory. Upon completion, it made its debut at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it received Second in Class as well as the Art Center College of Design Award.
In 2011, the car was brought to Pebble Beach and offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction. It was estimated to sell for $700,000 - $900,000. It would leave the auction unsold after unable to find a willing buyer capable of satisfying the vehicle's reserve.
By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2011
The Spanish automotive and engineering firm, Hispano-Suiza, had a reputation for their luxury cars and their aviation engines in the pre-World War II period.
The Hispano-Suiza K6, often referred to as the 30HP, was introduced in the early 1930s. It was available on two platform sizes, a short or long frame. The K6 served as a replacement for the Ballot and provided its customers a less-expensive option to their J12 flagship model.
Powering the K6 was an overhead valve, 5.2-liter engine that was designed by Marc Birkigt and featured overhead valves. Power was in the neighborhood of 120 horsepower.
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2011
For more information and related vehicles, click hereThe Hispano-Suiza K6, often referred to as the 30HP, was introduced in the early 1930s. It was available on two platform sizes, a short or long frame. The K6 served as a replacement for the Ballot and provided its customers a less-expensive option to their J12 flagship model.
Powering the K6 was an overhead valve, 5.2-liter engine that was designed by Marc Birkigt and featured overhead valves. Power was in the neighborhood of 120 horsepower.
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2011
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