Beschreibung:

1929 HISPANO-SUIZA H6b TORPEDO PHAETON COACHWORK BY MILLION et GUIET Engine No. 301660 Beige with brown fenders and black leather upholstery Engine: six cylinder, in line, 6,597cc, 135bhp at 3,000rpm; Gearbox: three speed manual, dry plate clutch; Brakes: four wheel mechanically operated drum, Hispano-Suiza mechanical servo assistance; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear. Right hand drive. The H6b Hispano-Suiza launched at the 1919 Paris salon was to set the standard of automotive design and engineering that other manufacturers strived to equal. The one model policy provided the highest degree of quality control and at the same time enabled detailed improvements based on experience and customer suggestions. By the late 1920's the H6b had been in production almost ten years and yet its advanced technology was still superior to its immediate competitors. The six cylinder engine provided superb power coupled to a taut chassis that was very responsive and a unique engine-powered servo system for the four-wheel brakes. The H6b was a favorite car for the wealthy sporting motorist and its success in competitions became legendary. Marc Birkigt, the outstanding engineer who was responsible for every Hispano-Suiza design from 1904 to 1938, had but one prime principle, quality above all else , which his cars certainly achieved. It was the detail in the building of an H6b, like the machining of the huge crankshaft from a steel billet and the way the steel cylinder sleeves were screwed into the light alloy cylinder block from below, that made it so remarkable. The mechanical servo assistance to the brakes was so good that Rolls-Royce finally adopted it for their cars. This stunning H6b carries exquisite Torpedo Coachwork by the famous Parisian coachbuilder Million et Guiet. The car was purchased new by a wealthy Brazilian, Senior Manuel Coutinho, and the original delivery sheet shows the car was delivered in October 1926. In fact the car was late and a letter of complaint from the new owner to the director of Million Guiet makes fasinating reading. The letter is dated January 1927 and makes clear the owner's displeasure at the late delivery, especially since he paid the full purchase price in advance. Also of note is the owners request to place the trunk at the rear of the car: "I desire the car to be as beautiful and elegant as possible and you may, if need be, go beyond the length indicated in the order, as I have enlarged my garage for this purpose." This Hispano-Suiza it is believed, remained in the same family ownership until 1970 when it was purchased by Ronald De Andrade and brought to the U.S.A.. When the car arrived in New York it was painted a turquoise blue color with black fenders, it was highly original and ran well. Mr. Andrade restored the car and enjoyed it for several years before selling it to a family in New Jersey from there the car passed through the hands of the noted collector Tom Lester (at this stage painted brown with black fenders) who in turn sold the car on to Dr. Stanley Cope. The current owner purchased the vehicle in 1994 and has used it sparingly. On a recent test drive and inspection this vehicle performed extremely well and has a wonderful feeling of originality, stemming from its limited use throughout its life. The H6b retains superb details such as the original enamel Million Guiet badges, Guiet windshield, Bleriot headlamps, a Grebel spotlight, Marchal sidelights, Hispano-Suiza instruments including an eight day clock, engine belly pans, a full set of keys and an autofume cigarette lighter. The black leather upholstery has been replaced recently yet already has a gentle patina. The rear trunk contains a top boot and a spare fuel guage sender unit. In the rear of the car the cabinetry has fine inlay detail and there is an original brass Saint Christopher plaque requested by Manuel Coutinho. While offered very much as a driver, this magnificient car if restored to Pebble Beach