Hispano-Suiza Dubonnet Type H6C « Xenia » 1938 by Saoutchik

Andre Dubonnet served in the “Stork” squadron during World War I and is credited with five aerials victories. Dubonnet was an accomplished amateur racing driver and inventor. Working with engineer Antoine-Marie Chedru, he patented a four-wheel independent “hyperflex” suspension system in 1927 that he promoted as having the “suppleness of a cat”. This ingenious system was used in different variations by GM, Fiat, Delahaye and Alfa Romeo.

To create a rolling showcase for his ideas, Dubonnet purchased and extensively modified a Hispano-Suiza chassis that he had seen at the 1932 Paris Salon.
The car was designed by Jean Andreau, a man known for designing avant-garde streamlined aircraft and automobiles. In 1938 Dubonnet employed renowned coachbuilder Jacques Saoutchik to construct this revolutionary body – Dubonnet fifth prototype attempt that he named “Xenia” after his late wife.
Xenia was hidden during the war, and did not reappear until June 9th, 1946 at the opening at the Saint Cloud highway tunnel outside Paris. Alain Balleret, President of the French Hispano-Suiza Club, purchased Xenia in the 1960s and subjected the car to restoration. In 1999 the American Charles Morse purchased it at auction. Peter Mullin purchased Xenia in 2003. Today, this car is owned by the Peter Mullin Automotive Museum Foundation and was exhibited at Rétromobile 2012, Paris.

The Hispano-Suiza Dubonnet Type H6C « Xenia » 1938 by Saoutchik won several  prizes in different Concours, including 2000 Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance ( Most Elegant Closed Car) and 2009 Goodwood, Festival of Speed (Best in Show).

Specifiactions : Hispano-Suiza Dubonnet Type H6C « Xenia » 1938 by Saoutchik

Wallpapers : Hispano-Suiza Dubonnet Type H6C « Xenia » 1938 by Saoutchik