Hispanic Swiss Alfonso XIII
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In the cellars of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Hispano-Suiza Alfonso XIII Double Berline

Found in a cellar in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, this Hispano-Suiza Alfonso XIII has a scarce elongated chassis of which only four units were made. Something quite strange considering the sporty character of this model.

Whether we like it or not, there has always been a high visceral component in the automotive industry. In this way, multitude of models designed by and for the competition were not devised from measure or rationality. Far from it, they were born as the fruit of an instinctive, captivating and, sometimes, little thought-out response. In this sense, perhaps the most visible example is that of the Ford GT40. A model born with the purpose of humiliating Ferrari at Le Mans. Seeking revenge after the failed takeover of the Italian brand by wealthy American checkbooks. Something that, on the other hand, exemplifies quite well the puerile losing of those who have the pride of money.

At this point, the truth is that this also happened during the dawn of motorsports. A time in which examples abounded where humiliation, pride and even revenge played key roles in the genesis of certain models. Thus, one of them is the Hispano-Suiza Alfonso XIII. Undoubtedly an exceptional car, although at the same time fruit and consequence of a humiliating defeat. Put in context, the best thing would be to place ourselves in 1908. The first of the three consecutive years in which the Cup of Catalonia was convened. The first race organized officially in Spain.

At this point, it is not difficult to understand the promotional expectations displayed here by Hispano-Suiza. Not surprisingly, it had been launched just four years ago with the aim of being a benchmark in the most exclusive motorsports. A goal for which racing was essential. Even more so during those years when technical advances were demonstrated at the stroke of acceleration on the tracks. For all these reasons, when Peugeot dominated the Catalan Cup for three consecutive years, it was clear that Hispano-Suiza had to take matters into their own hands. And it is that, after all, had been beaten mercilessly even on their own ground.

Hispanic Swiss Alfonso XIII

For this reason, in 1909 the Barcelona house began a sports plan with which to beat the lion mark. Put in this situation, Marc Birkigt designed a four-cylinder engine, 2,6 liters and 45CV with reliability as its main virtue. Thanks to that, During the 1910 season the Hispano-Suizas began to beat the Peugeots even in the Ostend or Boulogne GPs.. In this way, beyond its high-end sedans, the Spanish brand achieved a place of honor among the most sporting fans. So much so that, in 1911, it presented its Hispano-Suiza Alfonso XIII derived directly from those successful racing models.

Hispanic Swiss Alfonso XIII

HISPANO-SUIZA ALFONSO XIII DOUBLE BERLINE, KEPT IN A CELLAR

Beyond its engine with 3.619 cubic centimeters and 64CV, the Spanish-Swiss Alfonso XIII It had a light and concise chassis to leave the whole at about 660 kilos. In addition, thanks to the short wheelbase this model was fully sporty. Suitable for linking curves as efficiently as possible during that time. Thus, among the multiple bodies received by the around 500 units produced, one would not expect more than light skiff or torpedo type.

However, it is not very well known why there were at least four elongated Hispano-Suiza Alfonso XIII chassis known as 15T Colonial. Not in vain, despite being a mass-produced vehicle, it was inserted within the very high degree of customization represented by the high-end of the moment. Put in this position, one of these chassis was sent to the French coachbuilder Alin & Liautard in order to be equipped with a sedan body. with double cabin. Quite an artisan refinement where, to tell the truth, the general line continues to be tributary to the twilight world of stagecoaches.

Hispanic Swiss Alfonso XIII

Moreover, details such as the raised front, the windows typical of a house or the luggage rack on the roof invite us to think more about the XNUMXth century than the XNUMXth. Nevertheless, this Double Berline is one of the first Hispano-Suiza Alfonso XIII made in 1911. A time when these vehicles were only available to tycoons and aristocrats. Which is why we can't be surprised how it ended up in the cellars of a Marquis of Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

Hispanic Swiss Alfonso XIII

Place where, among barrels of dry wine and chamomile, two collectors discovered it in the mid-XNUMXs. Nevertheless, did not remain in its original state. Far from it, the Double Berline body was meticulously removed and stored to give the chassis an open cockpit.

In this situation, it was finally rescued and returned to its original appearance with a restoration in which, in a very interesting way, much of the patina produced by time was left untouched. However, his constant trip through deserted bidding auctions evidence how some type of intervention -especially in the passenger compartment- would be necessary. In any case, this does not take away one iota of its attractiveness and interest. Being, without a doubt, one of the most original copies of all the preserved Hispano-Suiza Alfonso XIII.

Photographs: RM Sotheby's

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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.

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