1930 Hispano-Suiza H6B by J. Fernandez

Coachwork by J. Fernandez | Body No. 541

Chassis No. 12202 | Engine No. 302163

A Pinnacle of European Luxury and Engineering

The Hispano-Suiza H6B was one of the most luxurious and technically advanced automobiles of its era, admired by royalty, Hollywood elites, and industrial magnates. Built at Hispano-Suiza’s Bois-Colombes factory in Paris, the H6B was an evolution of the groundbreaking H6, featuring a powerful 6.6-liter straight-six engine, advanced braking technology, and effortless performance.

This 1930 Hispano-Suiza H6B, ordered new by Mrs. Potter Palmer of Chicago, is a superb example of the marque’s prestige, elegance, and engineering excellence. It boasts stunning Coupé Chauffeur coachwork by J. Fernandez, a firm renowned for crafting some of the most exquisite pre-war body designs.

Hispano-Suiza: A Legacy of Innovation

Founded by Swiss engineer Marc Birkigt, Hispano-Suiza quickly became one of the world's most prestigious automotive brands, rivalling Rolls-Royce, Isotta-Fraschini, and Pierce-Arrow.

• First introduced in 1919, the H6 series featured a groundbreaking 6.6-liter inline-six engine, inspired by Hispano-Suiza’s World War I aircraft engines
• Servo-assisted four-wheel brakes, a technology later adopted by Rolls-Royce, provided unmatched stopping power
• The H6B, introduced in 1922, refined the original design, offering increased power (160 bhp at 3,000 rpm) and an effortless driving experience
• The car’s remarkable engineering allowed it to use a simple three-speed manual gearbox, delivering smooth and powerful acceleration

With aerodynamic influences from aviation, Hispano-Suiza’s blend of power, elegance, and precision engineeringmade it a favorite among aristocrats and automotive connoisseurs worldwide.

Coachwork by J. Fernandez: A Masterpiece of Luxury

This Hispano-Suiza H6B was clothed in a magnificent chauffeur-driven Coupé body by J. Fernandez, one of Paris' premier coachbuilders.

• J. Fernandez was known for crafting elegant, high-quality bodywork
• Prior to its partnership with Dutch Darrin in 1931, the firm built some of the finest custom Hispano-Suiza automobiles
• This pre-Darrin example showcases an exquisite blend of grandeur and functionality
• The versatile Cabriolet de Ville design allowed for fully convertible open-top motoring, while maintaining refined chauffeur-driven comfort

This Hispano-Suiza’s bespoke bodywork and exceptional craftsmanship made it a statement of ultimate prestige.

Provenance: An Illustrious Lineage of Ownership

Original Ownership: The Potter Palmer Dynasty

This Hispano-Suiza was originally ordered by Mrs. Pauline Kohlsaat Palmer, wife of Potter Palmer II, part of the prominent Palmer family of Chicago.

• The Potter Palmer name is synonymous with American retail innovation and urban development, shaping the city of Chicago
• This Hispano-Suiza likely served as both a European touring car and a grand luxury automobile in America
• It remained within the Palmer family for nearly 40 years, a testament to its exceptional quality and prestige

Subsequent Owners & Pebble Beach Success

• 1968: The car was sold from the Palmer estate to Walter Weimer
• Later sold to Jim Stickley of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who was also an avid Hispano-Suiza collector
• 1971: Purchased by Al McEwan of Seattle, who undertook an extensive restoration
• 1981: Debuted post-restoration at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it won:
  • First Place at the Hispano-Suiza Club Meet
  • First in Class at Pebble Beach
• Later owned by Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino’s Pizza, and then Herbie Livingston of South Carolina
• 1995: Acquired by Frank Spain, a renowned collector who maintained it in both private and public display

Condition & Investment Potential

Today, this Hispano-Suiza H6B remains in impressive overall condition, retaining its award-winning restoration.

• The car has been meticulously preserved, though the whitewall tires will require replacement due to age
• The Fernandez coachwork remains an exceptional example of pre-war luxury craftsmanship
• The Hispano-Suiza’s legendary engineering ensures it remains one of the most desirable collector’s cars of its era

With an illustrious history, rare coachwork, and concours-winning pedigree, this 1930 Hispano-Suiza H6B Coupé Chauffeur is a true automotive masterpiece, offering:

• A prestigious ownership lineage
• Exquisite French coachbuilding by J. Fernandez
• Outstanding concours history, including a Pebble Beach class win

A remarkable collector’s opportunity, this Hispano-Suiza represents the epitome of pre-war European luxury, engineering, and craftsmanship.