1921 Hispano-Suiza H6 Open Tourer by Duvivier

1921 Hispano-Suiza H6 Open Tourer

Coachwork by Duvivier (restored)
Engine: 6.597 cc Inline 6-cylinder, OHC
Body Style: Open Tourer
Chassis No.: 10091
Year: 1921

Vehicle Overview

One of the earliest and rarest Hispano-Suiza H6s known to exist, this 1921 Hispano-Suiza Open Tourer by Duvivierrepresents a significant piece of early 20th-century automotive history. With only approximately 270 H6s ever produced before the introduction of the H6B, this example—chassis 10091—is the fifth oldest known surviving H6. Restored using period-correct materials and techniques, it presents both mechanical authenticity and exquisite vintage style.

Vehicle Details

• Make: Hispano-Suiza

• Model: H6

• Year: 1921

• Chassis Number: 10091

• Body Style: Open Tourer

• Coachbuilder: Duvivier (restored with original panels)

• Engine: Inline 6-cylinder, 6.597 cm³, overhead camshaft

• Transmission: Manual

• Condition: Fully restored, original components preserved

Historical Background & Provenance

• Sold new on April 26, 1921, via Entente Industrielle to Mr. Tozer

• Exported to Australia, where it eventually survived as a bare chassis

• Rediscovered and passed through prominent collector Tim Hewison

• Transported through the UK to the Czech Republic in 2008, where a comprehensive restoration began

• Restoration included the reinstallation of original early Duvivier body parts, sourced in France

This car has been painstakingly restored using traditional materials, including nitro-cellulose paint, and is widely regarded as the most accurate surviving example of the early H6 series.

What Makes This Car Unique

The Type H6, built before the H6B, features numerous unique technical and cosmetic details:

• Very light chassis construction: only 4mm thick, following the “Alfonso style” used in Hispano’s pre-WWI cars

• Restoration experts replaced vulnerable chassis areas while preserving the car’s factory geometry

• Original Hispano radiator badge with early-style "bounced" wing lines

• Single rivet front dumb iron—later H6s have two

• Delco-Remy foot-operated starter (earlier than the twin-button dash starter setup in H6Bs)

• Different electrical system with two starter capacities

• Unique dashboard setup, including:

  • Distinct clutch design with a cone-style clutch

  • Full-pressure fuel gauge with manual priming pump

  • Starter fuel system operated by hand and engine-driven pumps

  • Special bonnet latch system differing from later ODA latches

These features make this particular H6 significantly different from the H6B that followed, and many of the changes demonstrate the early developmental engineering that defines Hispano’s transition from aircraft to automotive innovation.

Condition & Restoration

• Expert-level restoration finished in the Czech Republic using:

  • Original early bodywork from Duvivier

  • Period-correct mechanicals and finishings

  • Painted in authentic nitro-cellulose lacquer

• All original mechanical functions preserved and restored for reliable performance and authenticity

• Eligible for international concours, touring events, and preservation exhibitions

Collector’s Note

This 1921 Hispano-Suiza H6 is not just rare—it is formative. As an original-spec, pre-H6B Type with early coachwork and historic features, it represents the genesis of the Hispano-Suiza legend. For connoisseurs of early European grand tourers and pre-war engineering, chassis 10091 offers an opportunity to acquire an exceedingly rare, beautifully restored, and mechanically pure automobile from one of history's most revered marques.