The Hispano Suiza H-6C coupe was a radical pronouncement of style and substance. It was a platform for a Jaques Saoutchik custom body, with an aeronautical streamlined theme, and also highlighted the advanced Andre Dubonnet independent suspension. The cockpit-like interior was a forerunner to the later enclosed "capsules" of the fastest Formula One cars, and the metal alloy composition body was years ahead of its contemporaries integration, outside of a pure racing medium.
Despite its size, the H6 performed admirably for the time. It would run 125 mph and carry four passengers. But it was never meant to be a production vehicle; it was what we would call now a "magnet" car, to draw attention and plaudits for the high-end Hispano fleet.
It was hidden away in 1939, thought lost, then World War II broke out, but it finally emerged intact and pristine, still impressive for all the years that had passed, in 1946.
Today, it can be seen on the Car Show circuit, having won its class at Pebble Beach and other prestigious events. These shots were taken at the Portland Art Museum in 2011 at a special exhibition, 'The Allure of the Automobile'.
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