1936 Hispano Suiza K6 Drop Berline

This Hispano-Suiza K6 wears Berline coachwork by Vanvooren of Paris. It was among the last of the six-cylinder Hispanos and fitted to the longer 148-inch wheelbase chassis. In 1976 it was sold by Bob Marceca of New York City to Richard B. Wilder of Kent, Connecticut. It entered the collection of Javier 'Jay' Leon in 1981. Over the next seven years it was driven occasionally, including in the Monterey to Lake Tahoe CCCA CARavan in September 1988, the Pacific Northwest CARavan of 1990, and overseas in the Hispano-Suiza Rally through Spain. Later during Mr. Leon's ownership, the car was fitted with power steering.

The car is finished in a two-tone blue color scheme chosen from the period Cadillac palette, Marchal Aerolux headlamps, and an interior finished in rosewood with a leather driver's seat and broadcloth rear upholstery, and an Art Moderne floor heater.

This car was exhibited at the 1990 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, winning the Alec Ulman Memorial Trophy as the most elegant Hispano-Suiza present.

After Mr. Leon's passing, the car remained with his wife, Berta, who continued to tour with the car. It remained with her until recent years.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2019