in

The latest chassis of the latest model, Hispano-Suiza J12 nº13510

The Hispano-Suiza J12 was the technological sublimation of the brand. His best and most elaborate model. However, at the end of the thirties its production was suspended in order to focus solely on aeronautics. This is his last chassis number, which was ordered from India

Track back the track of the best cars in the world It is like drawing an economic map of it. As it is, the large number of Rolls-Royces and Cadillacs with roots in India during the XNUMXs and XNUMXs is striking. What's more, some of the best pre-WWII luxury models were ordered directly from there. Proof of this is the Cadillac V16 452A bodied by Pininfarina in 1931., whose one of its units was used by the Maharaja of Orchha in order to hunt tigers. All this thanks to the wide viewing angle provided by its bodywork”boat tail” fully open.

In addition, given the relationship established between the Indian oligarchies and the English aristocracy, many of the great fortunes created in the Asian country regularly passed through London. In fact, the traffic of automobiles established between the British capital and the ruling dynasties in different parts of India was evident. Examples of this were the multiple units of the Rolls-Royce or Bentley houses. Brands to which must be added the orders made to the American factories of Duesenberg or Cadillac. All this topped off with a certain presence of Bugatti, Delage and even Alfa Romeo models.

In short, although today they are completely disintegrated, during the thirties some of the best automobile collections were in India. Moreover, one of them was that of the young Maharaja Yashwant Rao Holkar II. Educated at Oxford, this ruler always felt a special love for Western culture. something that even put into practice sponsoring decorative and architectural styles to the taste and manner of the European avant-garde. In addition, thanks to his vast fortune, he managed to put together one of the best private garages of the time. Packed with units crowned by the Spirit of Ecstasy, but also with sports cars like the Alfa Romeo 8C.

However, perhaps the most striking piece of all those deposited in his collection was the Hispano-Suiza J12 with chassis 13510. Not surprisingly, this was the last of all those manufactured by the brand. Just a few weeks before suspending its motoring activities in 1938 in order to concentrate solely on the design and production of aircraft engines. In this way, the chassis on which this J12 unit sits is one of the last Hispano-Suiza produced. A collector's item at the highest level that, moreover, was bodyworked in the prestigious London workshops of Gurney Nutting & Co. Without a doubt, one of the best examples of automobiles prior to the Second World War.

HISPANO-SUIZA J12 GURNEY NUTTING, IN PERFECT CONDITION

Of all the models offered by Hispano-Suiza, the J12 was the most powerful and spectacular. Moreover, despite its significant sale price, it did not bring profit to the company. Thus, it was a design created as a technological showcase, symbolizing the enormous level of development reached by the brand around 1931. The year in which, on request, this model began to be offered, of which only about 120 copies were assembled. All of them served without bodywork and, therefore, ready for the creation of unique pieces signed by the best designers of the moment.

Regarding the mechanics, it was based on an imposing engine with 12 cylinders at 60º. able to render 220CV at only 3.500 revolutions per minute thanks to its 9,4 liter displacement. In other words, the most refined option to travel comfortably with plenty of power in any situation. All this, in addition, under foolproof levels of assembly, silence and reliability. Simply the best in automotive engineering for that time.

Obviously, given the quality of what was presented by Hispano-Suiza, the coachbuilders in charge of dressing the J12s should not be left behind. Thus, when Yashwant Rao Holkar II commissioned this unit, he placed its finishing in the hands of Gurney Nutting & Co. Specializing in high-end British clientele, most of his creations were at the hands of the aristocracy and even royalty. However, the most passionate about speed will remember this workshop best thanks to the 1931 Blue Bird. The spectacular model responsible for achieving a new world speed record on land that same year thanks to its 1.450CV.

Served to his client in India -despite the long periods he enjoyed in the West-, this Hispano-Suiza J12 fell out of favor along with the political power of the Maharajas. Because of that, was found in a lot with not a few signs of intensive use. Of course, fortunately the mechanics were still intact. After this, it was restored without any type of limitation to the perfect state with which it looks today. Including the red upholstery as well as the multiple details of Art Deco carpentry.

Thanks to this, today it is one of the most desired pieces in elegance contests such as Peeble Beach. Place where it appeared last 2018. In addition, the fact of being the last chassis belonging to the last model of Hispano-Suiza imbues it with an undoubted appeal to the story. A whole museum piece.

Photographs: Artcurial

What do you think?

avatar photo

Written by Miguel Sánchez

Through the news from La Escudería, we will travel the winding roads of Maranello listening to the roar of the Italian V12; We will travel Route66 in search of the power of the great American engines; we will get lost in the narrow English lanes tracking the elegance of their sports cars; We will speed up the braking in the curves of the Monte Carlo Rally and we will even get dusty in a garage while rescuing lost jewels.

Subscribe to the newsletter

Once a month in your mail.

Thanks a lot! Do not forget to confirm your subscription through the email that we have just sent you.

Something has gone wrong. Please try again.

60.2 kHappy fans
2.1 kFollowers
3.4 kFollowers
3.8 kFollowers