1927 Hispano Suiza H6B Coupe

This 1927 Hispano-Suiza H6B Coupe Chauffeur wears coachwork by the Brussels-based carrossier D'Ieteren. It is powered by a 6,597cc SOHC inline 6-cylinder engine breathing through a single Dual-throat carburetor and delivering approximately 80 horsepower at 3,500 RPM. There is a three-speed manual transmission, four-wheel mechanical drum brakes, and a leaf spring suspension.

This Hispano-Suiza was sold to Lolita Mitchell (née Armour) of Chicago in 1927 from the Hispano-Suiza's Paris Showroom. This car remained in her possession until 1951 when it was sold to an industrial designer, Brooks Stevens. Mr. Stevens was the inventor of the pre-selector gearshift and dash-mounted pullout handbrake, among other accomplishments. This car remained in Steven's private museum until 1999 when it was sold to its third owner. It was then treated to a two-year body-off restoration that lasted a total of four-thousand hours. Upon completion of the restoration, it was shown at many events where it was awarded many prestigious awards. It was invited to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2001. It was awarded 'Most Outstanding Interior in Show' at the 2002 Meadowbrook Concours. It was judged 'Best European Touring Car' at the 2003 Greenwich Concours, and a 'Award of Excellence' at the Cranbrook, Michigan Concours in 2003.

This car is upholstered in dark blue Connolly leather in the front compartment and a pale blue cloth in the rear. It has a speaking tube for front-to-rear communication. The passenger compartment contains two jump seats and a rear vanity cabinet containing a mirror, card case, cigarette case, and pair of crystal/silver perfume bottles.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2007