 Hispano-Suiza was founded in 1904 and soon found success producing trucks to meet the demand of the Spanish market. They also built automobiles with which they gained a reputation for performance and reliability. Most were sold to European heads of state, cementing the brand in luxury circles. Their reputation continued to grow as they achieved success in the racing world. The name Hispano-Suiza translates from French as "Hispano-Swiss," which is appropriate, as this magnificent French automobile was born from the genius of a Swiss engineer, Marc Birkigt, and was originally manufactured in Barcelona, Spain. However, the Hispano-Suizos made in France would become the most legendary. Although Hispano-Suiza began manufacturing automobiles in 1914, it quickly focused on manufacturing engines for aviation at the beginning of World War I. Designed by Marc Birkigt, the inline six-cylinder engine was an all-aluminum unit with a displacement of 6,+g597 cubic centimeters that benefited from Birkigt's experience with aviation engines and was essentially half of Birkigt's aviation V12 design, but with overhead camshafts. It had two valves per cylinder driven by a single overhead camshaft and a pressure-lubricated crankshaft rotating on seven main bearings. The engine was backed by a three-speed manual transmission and the brakes were light alloy drum brakes on all four wheels with electric assist, an industry first. The brakes were actuated by a shaft coming out of the transmission and, when the vehicle decelerated, its momentum moved the brake servo and increased braking power. The radiator emblem "La Cigogne Volante" first appeared in 1919 and was the insignia of Captain Georges Guynemer's Stork squadron of Hispano-Suiza-powered Spads. The Hispano-Suiza was the most expensive automobile in Europe during the 1920s and generally recognized as the most advanced automotive design in the world. The company sold only the chassis; the bodywork was up to the buyer. The H6 cars were built in Paris, at the Bois Colombes factory, and were followed by the H6B model for the 1922 season. The Hispano-Suiza H6 was presented in 1919 at the Paris Motor Show and was produced until 1933, with an approximate production of 2,360 examples (including the H6, H6B and H6C models). Its replacement was the T68 or J12, equipped with a V12 engine of just over 9.4 liters displacement. The Hispano-Suizo shown in the photographs corresponds to a 1923 H6B 3de 2HP Boat-Tail model bodied by de Kellner.
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1955 Imperial ConvertibleSee production figures for the 1955 Chrysler Imperial. The total, including two-door hardtops, four-door hardtops, four-door sedans and four-door limousines, is 11,430. The number of Imperial convertibles is 0. But you could say it's 1. The one we'll talk about is the prototype commissioned by Chrysler Chairman K.T. Keller. Designed and built by Chrysler Central Engineering, the concept car was created from an off-the-shelf New Yorker convertible. In addition to its roofless body, Keller's Imperial featured numerous exterior and interior design details. The end result was impressive and Chrysler put it to promotional use for a year before selling it to a private individual. Next
1937 Mercedes Benz 540K Special Roadster Blue GooseThe Mercedes Benz Special Roadster Goering 540K is a historical contradiction of values. It has a remarkable finish that doesn't look overdone. It seems like a practical car that is ready to drive without fear of getting dirty. One can visualize Major General Maxwell Taylor driving through Germany with this beauty in contrast to the few cars that were on the roads of Germany at the end of World War II. But the biggest contradiction is the damage done to the Special Roadster by the 101st Airborne Division when it was captured. Viewers will no doubt ask about the bullet hole in the fender and the bullet star in the driver's side window glass. Many will wonder why subsequent owners never returned the Special Roadster to the condition of Goering's original ownership. Moving a historical piece from a war scene to a Concours d'Elegance field where perfection is the norm will undoubtedly confuse many viewers. If Goering's Mercedes Benz 540K Special Roadster makes us think of the great price the Allies paid for the freedom of Europe, then the preservation/restoration of this historic Mercedes Benz will have served its purpose. It is the intention and desire of the current owners that this unique piece of history be preserved in its current state. They hope that today's generations will better appreciate the cost and sacrifice that comes with war after seeing Goering's preserved Mercedes Benz 540K Special Roadster, nicknamed "The Blue Goose" by American soldiers. Time will tell. |
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