The highest award achievable in the world of car collecting, ‘The Best Of Show Award’ at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, was won by a 1924 Hispano Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo.
This vehicle was commissioned directly from Hispano Suiza by André Dubonnet, famous aviator, race-car driver, inventor and entrepreneur, and is the centrepiece of the private collection of Penny and Lee Anderson Sr.
It’s the third time that Hispano Suiza has achieved the highest distinction at the most prestigious classic car event in the USA, a country with which the brand has a long-standing connection.
As a race driver, Dubonnet was looking for a competitive and durable, but also elegant car, able of standing out at a time of fierce rivalry of the most popular races of the time, such as the Targa Florio. With this in mind, he turned to Hispano Suiza, which, in collaboration with aircraft manufacturer Nieuport-Astra, created a car that would go down in history as the ‘Tulipwood Torpedo’ due to its extensive use of wood and unique bodywork shape.
Its foundation was the Hispano-Suiza H6C chassis and its eight-litre engine. It also incorporated a lower radiator than other H6Cs and a larger fuel tank for endurance rallies.
An aeronautically inspired body by Nieuport-Astra was mounted on the chassis, made from 3mm strips of mahogany, held in place by thousands of aluminum rivets and varnished by hand. It tipped the scales at 70 kilograms. This innovation made the car not only stand out but allowed Dubonnet to finish sixth place in the Targa Florio and fifth in the Coppa Florio.
After its use in competition, Dubonnet adapted it for road use with a windshield, headlights, and other details. After selling it, it passed through many hands and despite the passage of time, its original condition has been preserved. In 2022 it was auctioned for a record price.
This isn’t Hispano Suiza’s first triumph at Pebble Beach; the brand has already been recognised twice before. This third award confirms the passion of American collectors and enthusiasts for Hispano Suiza, a country that has historically shown a fascination for the marque and its handcrafted cars.
The winner of ‘Best Of Show’ at Pebble Beach this year was entered by its owners, Penny and Lee Anderson Sr, residents of Naples, Florida, renowned collectors of boats and cars who acquired it after being captivated by the vehicle’s elegance and innovative use of wood.
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