1934 Hispano Suiza J12 Cabriolet

Introduced in 1931 at the Paris Auto Salon, the first Hispano-Suiza J12s were powered by a 9.4-liter V12, all-aluminum, overhead valve engine; a larger 11-liter V12 was offered in 1935. The J12 was offered only as a rolling chassis, with massive construction and a choice of four wheelbases. The cars were often fitted with every imaginable luxury, which added a significant amount of weight, requiring a very powerful engine to carry the stately coachwork. The J12 sold well into 1938 until the company returned to aircraft production. All Hispano-Suizas were coachbuilt by the best European carrosseries, including the Paris firm of Vanvooren. These were cars for the elite of society, and everyone was an individual custom coachwork creation.

Approximately 120 examples of the J12 were built between 1931 and 1938.

This J12 was commissioned by Belgian-born Baron Jean Empain, and was originally bodied by Fernandez & Darrin as a cabriolet, and then re-bodied three years later with the current Vanvooren cabriolet coachwork. Empain used the cabriolet extensively on his travels from Europe to Africa, but the car was appropriated by the Germans during World War II, coming to the United States after the war. The current owner purchased the car in 1998 and commissioned a total restoration.