1926 Hispano-Suiza H6B Skiff

Chassis No. 11714

Engine No. 301636

A Masterpiece of Classic Era French Engineering

The Hispano-Suiza H6B stands among the finest French automobiles of the Classic Era, embodying technical sophistication and elegant design. Designed by Marc Birkigt, an engineering visionary, the H6B drew inspiration from World War I aircraft technology, resulting in a remarkably advanced six-cylinder engine.

This 6.6-liter overhead cam inline-six was built with:

• Machined steel cylinders integrated into an aluminum block
• Two valves per cylinder, operated by a single overhead camshaft
• A pressure-lubricated crankshaft, supported by seven main bearings

Producing 135 horsepower, the H6B was known for exceptional torque, smooth performance, and mechanical durability, making it one of the most coveted luxury sports cars of its time.

The Artistry of Skiff Coachwork

Among the most beautiful and desirable Hispano-Suiza models were those fitted with skiff coachwork, a style inspired by racing speedboats of the era. Skiff bodies were:

• Built on a hull-like wooden skeleton, covered with strips of the finest hardwood, steam-bent, and secured with shipbuilders' glue
• Sanded and varnished to a mirror-like finish, giving the body a sensual, curvaceous form
• Extremely lightweight, allowing for maximum performance and agility

This H6B skiff tourer is distinguished by polished aluminum side panels, laid over a wooden inner frame, crowned by wooden “decking”. A second cowl and windshield for rear passengers enhances its sporting, luxurious appeal.

An Aristocratic Provenance

According to original Hispano-Suiza factory records, Chassis 11714 was delivered to dealer Malliot, who supplied it to the duc d’Harcourt, likely Bruno d’Harcourt, a French nobleman and Grand Prix driver.

While the car currently carries engine no. 301636, records indicate this engine was originally fitted to another chassis. However, engine swaps were common practice among Hispano-Suiza H6Bs, particularly in the early years of ownership.

By 1980, this car was owned by A.J.M. Goode, a British enthusiast, before being acquired by John Lothrop of Windham, New Hampshire, a passionate Hispano-Suiza historian and collector.

Restoration & Unique Features

Photographs of Chassis 11714 before exportation show it in solid, original condition, already wearing its distinctive skiff body. Notably, it featured wooden artillery-style wheels, making it one of only two known H6Bs to have them. These wheels were cut down during World War II to accommodate smaller tires, a modification seen on a handful of surviving pre-war automobiles.

The coachbuilder of this body remains unknown, as many smaller European firms produced limited-run skiff designs without leaving identification plaques. Instead of making assumptions, the car’s long-term custodians have preserved its history with honesty, waiting for definitive documentation to surface.

After arriving in the U.S., Mr. Lothrop commissioned an extensive restoration, documented in a series of photographs. The restoration process included:

• Replacing and preserving wooden framing, carefully reshaping the tail for a more elegant bateau-style taper
• Finishing the body in royal blue with black fenders, complemented by a medium blue leather interior
• Fitting wire wheels, though the original cut-down wooden wheels remain with the car

The result is a stunning, period-accurate H6B, meticulously restored to preserve its lightness, elegance, and historical integrity.

A Cherished Automobile with Enthusiast Ownership

Following Lothrop’s passing in 2011, the car was acquired by its current caretaker, another Hispano-Suiza connoisseur, who has continued to maintain and enjoy it, even presenting it as a guest at North American Vintage Bentley Meets.

Accompanied by its original wooden wheels, this Hispano-Suiza H6B Skiff remains:

• A spectacular representation of early 20th-century automotive craftsmanship
• A car with a rich history, linked to aristocratic and enthusiast ownership
• An iconic expression of Hispano-Suiza’s dedication to performance and design

This elegant and rare H6B captures the spirit, grace, and excitement of its era, making it a highly sought-after centerpiece for any serious collection.