To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Arizona event, 17 - 18
January 2019.
Estimate:
$375,000 - $450,000
- The ultimate six-cylinder Hispano-Suiza
- Delivered new in the U.S.
- Original coachwork designed by Hibbard & Darrin
- Formerly the property of Arturo Keller
- Recent service by RM Auto Restoration, including new
clutch
The Hispano-Suiza H6C offered here features coachwork by Hibbard &
Darrin, the noted Paris coachworks established in 1924 by American
expatriate designers Howard "Dutch" Darrin and Thomas Hibbard.
Hibbard & Darrin's most famous product was a four-door convertible
dubbed the Transformable Torpedo, the hallmarks of which were a
snug-fitting convertible top, which dropped in a "tent flap" to
fill the space between the trapezoidal side windows, and a wide
beltline molding also seen in other Hibbard & Darrin creations.
This body design was utilized on numerous chassis, including the
Rolls-Royce of actress Marlene Dietrich, and this particular
Hispano-Suiza.
According to the original Hispano-Suiza factory records, this car
was delivered new on 26 January 1928 to Clarke D. Pease, the U.S.
distributor, making it surely one of the few H6Cs to have been
originally sent stateside. Its first owner was one of the Chopitea
brothers, the free-wheeling playboy heirs to a Peruvian sugar
fortune, who enjoyed homes throughout the world -one of which,
reportedly, served only to hold their suits-and a bevy of fine
automobiles, including a succession of Duesenbergs and 12-cylinder
Packards. The car later passed to a Mr. Marais, then to a prominent
Armenian diamond trader and art collector, Mirant Eknayan. At some
point during its early life, the body was updated to its present
appearance, including the addition of sweeping, full pontoon
fenders and an extension to the rear body, which incorporates a
built-in trunk, bringing the body in line with the streamlined look
in vogue in the late 1930s.
The car was eventually acquired by noted collector Arturo Keller,
of California. The previous owner fully tuned the engine; sorted
the brakes, steering, and suspension; and professionally freshened
the belt molding and fender doors. It was acquired by the current
owner in 2013 and continues to present quite well; all brightwork
is in good condition, and the dark brown canvas convertible top is
in excellent shape. The cream-colored leather upholstery and
chocolate brown carpets, nicely accented with cream piping, present
well, as does the interior wood trim, which provides a stunning
contrast to the aluminum instrument panel. Under the hood, all is
correct and well detailed, with the polished aluminum firewall
serving as a mirror to the impressive engine. The car was recently
serviced by RM Auto Restoration, which included installing a new
clutch as well as repairing a flooding carburetor along with minor
electrical sorting.
One of very few H6Cs remaining, and undoubtedly one of the few
original U.S.-delivery examples, this spectacular Hispano-Suiza
represents a worldwide effort: Swiss engineering, French artistic
flair, and American ingenuity combined in a gorgeous Art Deco
package.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.
