1927 Hispano Suiza

This 1927 Hispano-Suiza T49 Sports Saloon features coachwork by H.J. Mulliner and has had four owners over the last 91 years. The car was purchased new by decorated Colonel Guy Geddes at Albemarle Motors in London and remained with him until his death in 1955. It then had two additional long-term owners in the United Kingdom before being purchased by the seller in 2014. Power is from the original 3.7-liter overhead-cam inline-six, which is mated to a 3-speed manual transmission. The body retains its Weymann-type fabric-covered wood framework and original interior. In 2015 the car placed second in the Pre-War Preservation Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and in 2017 was named Best Preserved Car by FIVA at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’ Este. It also earned the Fédération International des Véhicules Anciens Preservation Award for originality in 2017. Now located in St.-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France, this Hispano-Suiza T49 is being offered with its original registration records and owner’s manual, as well as a UK DVLA V5 registration. The red coach-built body was provided by H.J. Mulliner & Co. of Bedford Park in West London, using the Weymann fabric body patented design under license. The Weymann body system incorporated aviation design principles with a lightweight wood framework connected by steel joints and wrapped in a fabric covering. It was popular due to its flexibility decreasing squeaks and rattles. Also featured on the car are Barker-patented dipping Marchal headlights. The 20” red wire wheels feature Hispano-Suiza engraving on the hubs, including on the matching dual side-mounts. The wheels were thought to have been repainted several years ago by the previous owner. The frame is a smaller derivation of Hispano-Suiza’s renowned H6, with semi-elliptical springs featured all around and 4-wheel drum brakes. A luggage compartment by Brooks of Birmingham, England is mounted at the rear. The cabin retains its original brown leather upholstery and features adjustable seat backs with leather straps. Several details of the interior can be seen up close in the photo gallery below. The Jaeger speedometer reads in miles per hour, and the odometer indicates just under 96k miles. The seller has added about 500 miles during four and a half years of ownership. The 3.7-liter inline-six was designed by Marc Birkigt and based on his larger H6 engine, carrying over features such as an overhead camshaft and dual spark-plug ignition. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 3-speed manual transmission and torque-tube drive. The 27hp model, named for its taxable horsepower, was said to produce 90 horsepower when new. The car has been serviced by the Sondes Fields Collection’s mechanic, and the most recent work included standard maintenance in 2015. The chassis plate can be seen above, and matching engine and body stampings are pictured in the gallery below, testifying to the car’s originality. A letter dated 1957 and written by Hispano-Suiza expert George Briand is included and notes that at that time the car appeared to have been serviced throughout its life. The car was with its second owner from 1956 to 1972, and was said to have spent some of that time in storage after a failure of the Autovac vacuum-operated fuel feed system. It was noted that during that span the engine was turned over weekly and the car polished. The third owner recommissioned the car after purchasing it in 1972 and returned it to the road, reportedly rebuilding the silencer with attention to its original design, as well as the Autovac system. Included with the sale is the original owner’s manual and the UK registration record. Appearances by this T49 have included the 2018 Concours d’Elegance Suisse, where it was named Best Preserved Car; the 2017 Concorso d’Eleganza Ville d’Este, where it earned the FIVA Preservation Award; and the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it finished second in the Pre-War Preservation Class. Photos of the car at all three events can be seen in the gallery below, and the car can be seen in the Pebble Beach live stream replay at the 1 hour, 58 minute mark here. The seller has assembled a website with additional photos from the car’s international appearances here.