1933 Hispano-Suiza J12 Coach by Pourtout
Chassis No: 23452
Engine No: 321037
Registration: US Title
This is a fascinating example of one of the ultimate French Classics, offered from a single ownership collection since 1991. It is a CCCA Full Classic, and an ideal basis for restoration.
The finest model produced by one of France’s greatest automobile manufacturers, the Hispano-Suiza J12 is unrivalled for its smoothness, outstanding power, and excellent road manners, as one of the most modern 12-cylinder automobiles produced prior to World War II. Very seldom do examples of this treasured model become available for sale.
According to Hispano-Suiza Society rosters, it is believed that the chassis of this J12 may have actually been assembled at the Barcelona factory for the Spanish market. For whatever reason, the chassis remained not only without coachwork, but also unfinished and incomplete for decades. It was finally sold in 1965, and 10 years later fitted with a gearbox, followed a year later, in 1976, with the present elegant coach body, originally built by Marcel Pourtout and mounted to an earlier H6B chassis. The chassis number tag on the firewall is newer, while the engine bears the number 321037, in the usual location found on the oil filler lid; it should be noted that this same number appears on another surviving J12.
In its final form, the car was displayed for many years in the famous collection of Johan von Raben-Levetzau, housed in the museum at Aalholm Castle in Denmark. The car was sold from the Aalholm Collection at a 1989 Sotheby’s auction to the well-known Michigan enthusiast Marvin Tamaroff. Two years later, the present collection acquired the car, and there it has now remained for 34 years, alongside other significant Hispano-Suizas.
During more recent years, restoration of other, more intact J12s in the collection has led this car to donate some of its components. Inspection shows that the majority of the car, nonetheless, remains intact, with its older two-tone mahogany paint and brown leather interior both remaining in sound and usable condition. Nonetheless, some pieces are missing throughout. Notably, at the time of cataloguing, the J12 was missing its carburetors, and the transmission, not presently in the car, accompanies it disassembled. Many parts are believed to be new and in excellent condition. Overall, it is best described as a project for completion and fresh restoration in the hands of a new caretaker.
Non-Running Project
Pourtout Coach Bodywork Fitted in 1970s
32k Kilometers (~20k Miles) Shown, TMU
9,425cc OHV V12
Dual Scintilla Magnetos
Uninstalled & Disassembled Three-Speed Gearbox
Tan & Mahogany Paint
Tan Leather Upholstery
18" Painted Wire Wheels
Dual Side-Mount Spare Covers
Servo-Assisted Mechanical Drum Brakes
Collection of Uninstalled Parts
1933 Hispano-Suiza J12 Coach by Pourtout
Chassis No: 23452
Engine No: 321037
Registration: US Title
This is a fascinating example of one of the ultimate French Classics, offered from a single ownership collection since 1991. It is a CCCA Full Classic, and an ideal basis for restoration.
The finest model produced by one of France’s greatest automobile manufacturers, the Hispano-Suiza J12 is unrivalled for its smoothness, outstanding power, and excellent road manners, as one of the most modern 12-cylinder automobiles produced prior to World War II. Very seldom do examples of this treasured model become available for sale.
According to Hispano-Suiza Society rosters, it is believed that the chassis of this J12 may have actually been assembled at the Barcelona factory for the Spanish market. For whatever reason, the chassis remained not only without coachwork, but also unfinished and incomplete for decades. It was finally sold in 1965, and 10 years later fitted with a gearbox, followed a year later, in 1976, with the present elegant coach body, originally built by Marcel Pourtout and mounted to an earlier H6B chassis. The chassis number tag on the firewall is newer, while the engine bears the number 321037, in the usual location found on the oil filler lid; it should be noted that this same number appears on another surviving J12.
In its final form, the car was displayed for many years in the famous collection of Johan von Raben-Levetzau, housed in the museum at Aalholm Castle in Denmark. The car was sold from the Aalholm Collection at a 1989 Sotheby’s auction to the well-known Michigan enthusiast Marvin Tamaroff. Two years later, the present collection acquired the car, and there it has now remained for 34 years, alongside other significant Hispano-Suizas.
During more recent years, restoration of other, more intact J12s in the collection has led this car to donate some of its components. Inspection shows that the majority of the car, nonetheless, remains intact, with its older two-tone mahogany paint and brown leather interior both remaining in sound and usable condition. Nonetheless, some pieces are missing throughout. Notably, at the time of cataloguing, the J12 was missing its carburetors, and the transmission, not presently in the car, accompanies it disassembled. Many parts are believed to be new and in excellent condition. Overall, it is best described as a project for completion and fresh restoration in the hands of a new caretaker.
Non-Running Project
Pourtout Coach Bodywork Fitted in 1970s
32k Kilometers (~20k Miles) Shown, TMU
9,425cc OHV V12
Dual Scintilla Magnetos
Uninstalled & Disassembled Three-Speed Gearbox
Tan & Mahogany Paint
Tan Leather Upholstery
18" Painted Wire Wheels
Dual Side-Mount Spare Covers
Servo-Assisted Mechanical Drum Brakes
Collection of Uninstalled Parts
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