The 1923 Hispano-Suiza H6B Cabriolet, chassis number 10734, is a
concours-winning example of one of Europes most technically
advanced and aesthetically elegant automobiles of the interwar
years. Winner of First in Class at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours
dElegance, this Hispano-Suiza combines Fernandez et Darrins sleek
cabriolet coachwork with the marques aircraft-derived engineering
to create a motorcar of exceptional presence. Finished in black
over light gray leather with nickel-plated trim, the H6B represents
a world-class candidate for the most exclusive concours events
worldwide. Chassis 10734 was purchased new in June 1923 by Albert
Venot. While the original body is not recorded, factory
documentation suggests that the Hispano-Suiza was returned in 1929
for rebuilding, with Fernandez et Darrin completing the present
Cabriolet bodywork in 1932. In the 1950s, the Hispano-Suiza was
discovered in a French salvage yard, with the chassis and engine
numbers verified against the original Venot car. The H6B was later
acquired by collector Mr. Bitel and then passed to Dutch
enthusiasts Jan Bruijn and J.A. Palman in the late 1980s. After a
period of incomplete restoration, the Hispano-Suiza was sold to
Otis Chandler in 2002 and entered the care of Stu Laidlaw in
California. Following Chandlers passing, George Fernandez of Spain
assumed ownership before being acquired by collector Sam Mann in
2015, who completed the restoration. Today, the Hispano-Suiza is
offered in fully restored, concours-winning condition with a
fascinating and well-documented history. The exterior coachwork by
Fernandez et Darrin is finished in a sleek black with nickel-plated
hardware throughout, in overall excellent condition. The
Hispano-Suiza features a folding black soft top, dual coach doors
with nickel handles, Marchal headlights, sweeping fenders with art
deco accent lamps, and the marques signature Flying Stork mascots
at both the radiator and rear deck. Dual windshields, including a
cleverly concealed screen for rumble seat passengers, provide
elegance and functionality. Full cloth side mount wheel covers, and
a prominent grille complete the striking, period-correct
presentation. The interior is upholstered in light gray leather
with black piping, complemented by matching grey carpets and floor
mats which are all in excellent condition. Mahogany wood trim
adorns the doors and dashboard, while the etched nickel-plated
instrument panel features Jaeger gauges labeled in French,
including a 130 km/h speedometer and matching auxiliary
instruments. The right-hand drive configuration, complete with
steering wheel throttle controls and a floor-mounted shifter,
reflects the cars original sporting character. A Cognac Brown
convertible headliner and nickel-plated hardware complete the
thoughtful, authentic finish. Every element of the Hispano-Suizas
interior reinforces the quality and craftsmanship expected of one
of Europes premier luxury marques. The Hispano-Suiza H6B was
engineered by Swiss designer Marc Birkigt and became legendary for
its technical sophistication. Powered by a 6.6-liter inline
six-cylinder derived from aviation practice, the H6B employed steel
cylinder liners in an aluminum block, overhead camshaft valve
actuation, and a pressure-lubricated crankshaft with seven main
bearings. Servo-assisted four-wheel brakes, patented by the marque,
gave the Hispano-Suiza stopping power unmatched by contemporaries.
Chassis 10734 retains its early-style rear axle assembly and
crankcase, with evidence of an updated block dating from the 1929
rebuilding, while original components including the carburetor,
distributor caps, and valve covers remain present. The
Hispano-Suiza runs very well, reflecting both the brilliance of its
engineering and the care invested in its recent restoration. For
more information and details, please call or text Harry Clark at
1.602.245.7200 or email us at
[email protected]. This
Hispano-Suiza is available for inspection at our showroom in
Phoenix. We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video
inspections, and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also
have financing partners if you are interested in financing.
