Chassis Number: 14018
Factory records on file for chassis 14018 list a delivery date of December 30, 1936, with coachwork specified by Saoutchik. Jacques Saoutchik is best known for flamboyant designs often accessorized with ornate trim. In contrast, this masterfully penned cabriolet demonstrates a great degree of restraint on the part of the designer, while incorporating a lengthy hood, sweeping clamshell front fenders, a low and aggressively raked windscreen and an abbreviated rear deck perfectly positioned on the 146-inch-wheelbase chassis. This car made its debut at the 1936 Paris Salon, and a period Hispano-Suiza catalog illustrates this Saoutchik design described as a 5-passenger convertible.
The car was acquired by its current owner in 2010, and an extensive two-year restoration was immediately commissioned. California-based specialists participating in this exacting endeavor included the renowned Phil Reilly & Company, addressing the engine, chassis and mechanical components. Notably, the restoration of the J12’s engine included the installation of an extremely rare, long-stroke crankshaft which increased the displacement to an astounding 11.3 liters, with an estimated 250 horsepower — an option believed to have been fitted to just two J12s in period. Rounding out the restoration, Brian Hoyt’s Perfect Reflections completed the paint and body, and the acclaimed Ken Nemanic was charged with all upholstery work, in one of his final projects before retirement.
The J12 made its post-restoration debut at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance as part of a featured class celebrating Saoutchik coachwork. It was selected as the poster car that year, beautifully portrayed by artist Jay Koka, who positioned it in front of The Lodge at Pebble Beach.
An estimated 114 of the J12 models were built and about half are believed extant. Open coachwork among these survivors is much more scarce, with an estimated 10 still equipped with original bodies. Of these, almost none have the grace, style and undeniable beauty of this Saoutchik masterpiece. This truly stunning Hispano-Suiza showcases the engineering brilliance of Marc Birkigt’s magnum opus J12 chassis, finished to world-class standards.
