Hispano-Suiza Alfonso XIII - 1913 by Perico001 RM Sotheby’s Place Vauban Parijs - Paris Frankrijk - France February 2020 Estimated : € 650.000 - 900.000 Unsold One of the most prestigious names of Edwardian motoring, Hispano-Suiza established itself at the pinnacle of automotive engineering with a reputation that was arguably only matched by Rolls-Royce. This reputation was hard-won by the talents of Swiss engineer Marc Birkigt whose successful development of Hispano-Suiza race cars led to the Type 15, later becoming known as Alfonso XIII after the King of Spain became enamoured with the model. Fitted with a 3.6-litre, four-cylinder 15T engine producing 64 bhp at 2,300 rpm, the Alfonso XIII was guaranteed to achieve 120 km/h, a scarcely believable figure at the time, with an example achieving a lap at Brooklands at 81.51 mph. This Alfonso XIII, chassis no. 2192, is a later, long-chassis example (118-inch wheelbase) fitted with a desirable four-speed gearbox. It was bought by Major William Pitt during his undergraduate studies at Cambridge in the early 1920s, and he used it for various adventures, including a tour of Switzerland, VCC runs, and the 1934 RAC Rally where he finished 118th. During his ownership of over 50 years, he fitted a Sunbeam front axle to allow the fitment of front brakes, along with an SU carburettor. Pitt passed away in 1978, and three ownerships followed, including two major collections, before joining the current noteworthy stable. Upon entering the current ownership, it was decided to fully restore chassis no. 2192, so the mechanicals were rebuilt and a period-correct boat-tail body was fitted; notably, a correct Hispano-Suiza front axle was fitted during Mallya’s ownership. Used for vintage club events since the restoration, this Alfonso XIII has been cherished and is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian. Most important, the attractive two-seater body that had been on the car since it was bought by Major Pitt, and is believed to be original, is complete and separately accompanies this Hispano-Suiza; this will allow a future custodian the opportunity to restore the Hispano back to its period specification, thus making it an appealing potential concours entrant. With known ownership for the vast majority of its life and presented in fantastic condition with its matching-numbers engine, this Alfonso XIII is truly one of the great cars of the 20th century. https://flic.kr/p/2jqjo5g
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