Although they are 81 years apart the Hispano Suiza EV Carmen and 1938 Xenia Dubonnet stole the limelight when they came together for the first time at the Chantilly Arts et Élégance concours, held at the magnificent Château de Chantilly
According to the Spanish carmaker that made a return to the auto world three years ago, the EV Carmen’s design is inspired by the 1938 Xenia Dubonnet, that is now owned by the Mullin Automotive Museum Collection.
The Xenia Dubonnet was created by André Dubonnet, an aviator, athlete, racing driver and inventor who had experienced Hispano Suiza engines in his airplanes and cars he raced.
Impressed by its capabilities he purchased an Hispano Suiza H6C then sculptured a new and more aerodynamic body, along with an independent suspension system that he patented. He named the car, unveiled in 1938, after his wife, Xenia.
It was the Xenia Dubonnet the current design team, led by Francesc Arenas, drew inspiration from when penning the all-electric Carmen.
“When we designed the Carmen, we were adamant that we should capture our DNA and connect with the roots of the brand.
“There is no doubt that we have achieved it. You just have to look at the wheel arch and the rear of the car, as well as the belt line”, explains Arenas, director of Design at Hispano Suiza.
While the two Hispanos may have stolen the show, they were only a part of the event that included many modern and noteworthy classic vehicles including the 1911 Alfonso XIII and H6 Torpedo Duvivier.
From Unique Cars #471, Oct/Nov 2022