1926 Hispano Suiza H6B Tourer

The Spanish Swish Automobile Factory had a rough start, enduring several bankruptcies and World War One service as an aircraft engine manufacturer. After the war, they returned to automobile design and production, and in 1919 introduced the H6. It would become one of the most elegant automobiles of all time and was fitted with many advanced features. Under the bonnet was a 6.6-liter straight six engine that had an aluminum block which was inspired by the company's earlier aviation units designed by Marc Birkigt. The engine features a seven-bearing billet steel crankshaft, an overhead cam, screw-in steel cylinder liners, and enameled water passages to prevent corrosion.

Perhaps the most innovative feature of the H6 was its power-assisted light-alloy drum brakes, the first of their kind. They were soon licensed by other manufacturers, most notably by Rolls-Royce, who employed the system well into the 1960s.

This Hispano-Suiza H6B wears touring coachwork created by Hooper & Co. of London. The first owner was a South African, and it still bears a collection of African auto club badges and license plates. It is an unrestored example except for the specially fabricated exhaust system.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011