Hubert Haderthauer
The 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C "Tulipwood" Torpedo by Nieuport-Astra
Hispano-Suiza represents two countries, Spain and Switzerland (Swiss). Hispano relates to the origins of the location of the company and its investors and Suiza, the engineering brilliance of Swiss designer Mark Birkigt. The manufacturer eventually produced cars in France and Spain, as well as producing aircraft engines and weapons. The company launched in 1904 and quickly gained the affection of Spanish King Alfonso XIII, which the company named a car after. Early racing success and astounding engineering led the company to compete with automotive giants like Bugatti and Rolls-Royce. By the 1950s, the car manufacturing side of the company was sold to Enasa and in 2019, the brand was revived and makes boutique electric luxury sports cars. Notable models include the J12, H6, and Alfonso VIII.
This Hispano-Suiza is arguably the most famous Hispano-Suiza in the world
Commissioned by aperitif heir and gentleman racer André Dubonnet
Raced by Dubonnet in the 1924 Targa Florio and Coppa Florio, finishing 6th and 5th overall, respectively
Stunning lightweight mahogany coachwork, a masterpiece of craftsmanship
This A fine scratchbuilt wood and copper bodied 1:8th scale model of the Hispano-Suiza H6C “Tulipwood” Torpedo #1. standing at about 21 inches in length has a fully working engine, gear box, steering , brakes and suspension and as per the original car has opening door, engine cowling, fuel cap as a well as real 'sprung' leather seats, wood fascia and much more. In 1924 the “Tulipwood” Torpedo was commissioned by André Dubonnet who, at the age of 26, was an accomplished aviator and race car driver. The Dubonnet family had amassed a fortune from the aperitifs and cognacs that continue to bear the family name. Dubonnet contracted the Nieuport Aviation Company to build a lightweight body suitable for both racing and touring. Nieuport craftsmen formed a frame of wooden ribs measuring up to 3/4- inch thick which were covered with 1/8-inch wooden veneer Strips of tulipwood of uneven thickness and length were fastened to the veneer with thousands of brass rivets. The body was then sealed, sanded and varnished; when fully equipped, the body was to have weighed approximately 160 pounds. The torpedo tail enclosed a 46-gallon gas tank for long distance racing. In 1924 Dubonnet entered the Hispano-Suiza in the Sicilian Targa Florio and he finished 6th ; he also finished 5th in the Coppa Florio and first in the over 4.5-litre class.
It is not exaggeration to state that the Tulipwood Torpedo was as advanced and remarkable a performance automobile in 1924 as the Pagani or McLaren are held to be today; both employed their time’s most potent drivetrains and state-of-the-art lightweight materials to ensure maximum performance, with no regard to cost. The results were breathtaking in every regard.
