1926 Hispano Suiza H6B Double Phaeton
1926 Hispano-Suiza H6B Double Phaeton by Million-Guiet
Chassis No.: 11647
Engine No.: 301660
Coachbuilder: Million-Guiet, Levallois-Perret
Year: 1926
Body Style: Double Phaeton
Country of Origin: France / Brazil
Overview
Originally commissioned by prominent Brazilian businessman Sr. Manuel Coutinho of São Paulo, this 1926 Hispano-Suiza H6B was sent directly to the prestigious Parisian coachbuilder Million-Guiet to receive an exquisitely detailed Double Phaeton body. This included bespoke features such as swivelling Grebel spotlights, an elegant inlaid cabinet for the rear compartment, and a finely crafted rear windscreen by A. Dupré & C. Perrin. The pièce de résistance is a custom Saint Christophe plaque by F. Bazin, engraved with the owner’s name and address—still present on the car today.
Ownership History
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1927: Delivered via Grau & Co., Hispano-Suiza’s agent in Rio de Janeiro.
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1927–1970s: Remained within the Coutinho family.
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1970s: Acquired by Ronald de Andrade, New York. Repainted turquoise blue with black fenders.
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1980s: Sold to US collector Tom Lester, who changed the color to brown with black fenders and used it in numerous historic events.
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1990s: Acquired by Dr. Stanley Cope, Pennsylvania. Continued its active rally and concours life.
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1994: Sold to Dick Vento, who initiated a comprehensive restoration process.
Mechanical Restoration (2002–2012)
A decade-long restoration was initiated by Dick Vento:
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Mechanical work by Phil Reilly & Co. (San Francisco, CA)
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Full rebuild of engine and transmission
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Bench tested: 143 bhp and 326 lb-ft torque at 1900 rpm
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Oil pressure: 2.6 bar / 37.6 psi
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Chassis & Bodywork by Henningsen Machine Shop (Salinas, CA)
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Over 5,800 hours of labor (billed nearly $500,000)
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Restoration halted prior to completion
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Final Restoration (2015–2017)
The car was purchased in a semi-dismantled state and shipped to the UK. Completion of the restoration was entrusted to Paul Jaye Engineering in Towcester, England, known for Hispano-Suiza expertise. This phase included:
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Completion of all mechanical assembly
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Rebuilding of brakes to original specification
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Fabrication of correct-size wheels
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Full rewire, bonnet rebuild, accessories, and lamps
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Manufacturing of new soft top, tonneau, and running boards
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Attention to historic accuracy and fine finishing details
Notable Recognition
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Displayed at the 2017 Epoqu’Auto Show in Lyon on the Hispano-Suiza Club stand, receiving wide acclaim for authenticity and quality.
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Featured in The Legendary Hispano-Suiza by Johnnie Green (page 174).
Summary
With over 95 years of meticulously documented provenance and restoration history, Chassis 11647 is one of the finest surviving examples of the Hispano-Suiza H6B. Retaining its original Million-Guiet Double Phaeton body, and now presented in flawless condition, this car is a masterpiece of French coachbuilding and engineering. A rare opportunity to acquire a coachbuilt Hispano with unrivaled provenance, period accessories, and concours-quality restoration.
All supporting documentation, restoration invoices, and work sheets are available.