1931 Hispano Suiza J12 Transformable
Coachbuilder: Saoutchik
Chassis Number: 13010
Engine Number: 321013
Body Number: 1881
The First J12
In 1931, Hispano commissioned renowned coachbuilder Saoutchik to design and build this exclusive five-seat Transformable Grand Luxe 4 Portes show car on the newly introduced J12 (Type 68) chassis. The car debuted at the 1931 Paris Salon, followed by appearances at Olympia in London and the 1932 Geneva Salon.
Equipped with a three-position convertible roof, wind-up windows, and a luxurious, comfortable interior, this J12 was built for long-distance touring. Its fine handling, excellent brakes, and immense power made it one of the most enjoyable cars of its era. With a reputed price tag of 250,000 Francs, it was one of the most expensive cars of its time.
Automotive historian Peter Larsen, in his book J Saoutchik Carrossier (2014), describes this J12 as “a chef d’oeuvre in classic yet chic car design”.
Ownership History
Shah of Persia (Iran) | 1932 - 1963
- Purchased by the Shah of Persia in October 1932 as a royal parade car.
- Light modifications were made during early ownership.
- The car remained in the royal garage until 1963, covering only 10,000 km.
Bob Ortenburger | 1963 - 1979
- Purchased via Israeli broker Salim Bahary and shipped from Iran to the United States.
- Driven 1,500 miles to Tulsa without issues, but later discovered to have overheating problems.
- Underwent restoration in England by Wilkinson’s of Derby in 1970, with a new dark blue over light blue paint scheme.
Roy Southward | 1979 - 2011
- Imported to New Zealand in early 1980.
- Extensive mechanical and cosmetic restoration, including:
- 1984: Engine restored.
- 1987: Body repainted in two-tone blue.
- 1997: Running boards repainted.
- 2003-2006: Complete engine rebuild by Bristol Restorations, overcoming the screwed-in cylinder linings.
Mark & Sonia Richter | 2011 - Present
- Purchased in 2011, when the car had covered only 1,000 km since its engine rebuild.
- Restoration goals:
- Return to the original 1931 Show Car specification.
- Preserve as much original patina as possible.
- Ensure the car is roadworthy for extensive touring.
- Over the past five years, the car has been driven 30,000 km, making it one of the most roadworthy J12s in the world.
Hispano Suiza J12 in Detail
- Only 105 J12s were produced from 1931-1938, with approximately 40 survivors today.
- Less than half of those survivors are convertibles.
- Autocar Magazine tested a 2-door, 4-seat drophead J12, stating:
- "A car magnificent: Astonishing Acceleration and Ease of Performance."
- 0-60 mph in 12 seconds, top speed 100 mph.
- Stopped from 30 mph in just 26 feet.
Technical Specifications
- Engine: V12, 9,425 cc (100mm x 100mm), 220hp
- Transmission: 3-Speed Manual
- Brakes: Power-assisted mechanical drum
- Weight: 2,050 kg
- Overall Length: 5.4m
Key Features & Modifications
Safety Enhancements
- Original Show Car did not have front or rear sidelights.
- Retained Shah car side lights with added indicator bulbs.
Bumpers & Fenders
- Repusseau bumpers fitted from factory or early in Persian ownership.
- Twin-rail bumper added later, later replaced to match original Repusseau design.
Color Scheme
- Originally green, repainted dark blue over mushroom cream in 2011.
- Blue leather interior was preserved to maintain its original patina.
Touring Enhancements
- Added a matching ammeter to monitor extensive mileage (~3,000 miles per year).
- The ammeter is mounted on the steering column and removable to preserve originality.
Final Notes
This 1931 Hispano Suiza J12 Transformable remains one of the most significant J12s in existence. From its origins as a Saoutchik-designed show car, to its royal service under the Shah of Persia, and later ownership by prestigious collectors, it is an incredibly well-preserved and roadworthy masterpiece.
Having covered 51,000 km from new, with 33,000 km spent touring New Zealand, this J12 is not only a rare automotive icon but also one of the most driven and enjoyed Hispano Suizas in the world.