Vehicle Description
Hispano-Suiza stands proudly among the greatest classic-era marques
in the world. Like Bugatti, Delahaye, and Isotta-Fraschini,
Hispano-Suiza represented some of the finest motorcars to come out
of mainland Europe from the teens through the thirties. Based in
Barcelona, Spain, the "Suiza" part of the name comes from Marc
Brikigt, a Swiss-born engineer who served as technical director
from the company's founding in 1904 through the end of car
production in the late 1930s. The firm took on many forms in its
nearly 50-year history, including the addition of a production line
in France, and an aero-engine division with an American branch.
Early on, Hispano-Suiza built a wide range of vehicles, from a 10hp
four-cylinder to a mighty 60/75 horsepower six-cylinder tourer
named for King Alphonso XIII. Hispano-Suiza was a car reserved for
royalty, entertainers, and elite socialites. Europe's most
prestigious coachbuilders vied for the chance to put their name on
Hispano-Suiza chassis, resulting in some of the most stunning and
memorable motorcars of the pre-war period. Throughout the firm's
existence, buyers revered Hispano-Suiza automobile for their power
and performance. In the 1930s, the line consisted of the mighty J12
(twelve cylinders up to 11.3 liters) and the smaller, yet equally
sophisticated six-cylinder K6. The K6 featured overhead valves, and
upwards of 120 horsepower. It was the mainstay of the line up
through the end of French Hispano-Suiza production at the end of
1937. Like any Hispano-Suiza, today's collectors covet the K6 for
its exceptional performance, long-distance touring ability, and
beautiful coachwork. This 1936 Hispano-Suiza K6 is one of 204 such
models built and is among the last of the classic six-cylinder
Hispanos, fitted with graceful Berline coachwork by Vanvooren of
Paris. In the care of the same family since 1981, this Hisso is a
well-known and respected car in the Classic Car Club of America,
and a veteran of numerous tours in the USA and Europe. Sitting atop
the optional extended 148-inch wheelbase chassis, this K6 Berline
(Vanvooren body number 2800) is a very handsome example, with
formal yet flowing lines in the best Vanvooren tradition. The known
history of this K6 picks up in the early 1970s when in the care of
Bob Marceca of New York. He sold the car in 1976 to Richard B.
Wilder, who enjoyed the K6 in the rolling hills surrounding his
home in Kent, Connecticut. Wilder advertised the car for sale a few
years later, and the original ad (included in the file) described
it as a "fast road car," finished in black and tan, with a rebuilt
engine and removable wheel discs. The ad caught the attention of
another noted enthusiast and collector, Mr. Javier "Jay" Leon. A
resident of Texas and a native of Spain, Leon had a natural
attraction to the Hispano-Suiza. He purchased the car form Wilder
in 1981, and he would care for and enjoy this Hisso for the rest of
his life. Javier and his wife Berta took their Hisso on numerous
CARavan tours with the CCCA around America, and a lengthy tour of
Europe with the Hispano-Suiza Society. They gradually restored the
car, commissioning a complete engine rebuild by the experts at The
Vintage Garage in North Brookfield, Massachusetts (now in Stowe,
VT). Photographs and an article in the Hispano-Suiza Society
magazine document the extensive engine overhaul. Later in the
1980s, the Leons restored the car cosmetically, finishing it in a
period two-tone blue livery. They also restored the interior to
match, with blue leather in the driver's compartment and
complementing blue broadcloth in the rear. As Jay's health was
failing, Berta often did much of the driving, so they had the car
adapted with power assisted steering. The Leons and their K6 were
invited to the 1990 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it won
the Alec Ulman Trophy for the Most Elegant Hispano-Suiza. It
appears in Beverly Rae Kimes' book The Classic Car (1990) along
with comments by Jay. After Javier's passing, Berta held on to the
K6, continuing to care for the car she and her first husband
enjoyed for so many years. She later remarried, and along with her
new husband, they carried on enjoying the car in CCCA events across
the Southwest. Thanks to so many years of care and attention, the
K6 remains in excellent condition, with a mellow and charming
character to the restoration. The body remains in fine order, with
good panel fit and detail. The paintwork is glossy and consistent,
with some aging is visible on close inspection, yet quite appealing
with a careworn charm. Chrome and brightwork remain in excellent
condition, including the grille and Marchal Aerolux bullet
headlamps. While it is a division window limousine, the long
wheelbase allows for a roomy driver's compartment, ideal for
long-distance touring. The interior features stunning rosewood
trim, an Art Moderne floor heater and blue leather and broadcloth
upholstery, all presented in very good condition with a light and
attractive patina. The K6 was a powerful car for its day, making
125 horsepower from its 5,184 cc overhead valve inline six. Since
this car's comprehensive and well-documented rebuild, it remains in
good running condition thanks to regular care and maintenance. The
engine presentation is honest and tidy and would need little to
return it to show-worthy state. Accompanying the sale is an
extensive history file containing Spanish and English owner's
manuals and extensive receipts, photos, and correspondence that
paint the picture of a car that was cherished by Jay and Berta.
This elegant Hispano-Suiza remains well-suited for continued
enjoyment in tours and road events, and with minimal effort could
be returned to duty on the show field. One of the best known, and
best-loved K6s extant, this marvelous Vanvooren saloon is ready for
the next owner to continue its remarkable legacy.
