The show car must go on

Bonhams, Goodwood SpeedWeek, UK 17 October

ALONG WITH GOODWOOD’S revised calendar comes Bonhams’ new sale, to support the SpeedWeek event. Taking place within the walls of the Earls Court Motor Show building, it’s a fitting venue for this stunning 1926 Hispano-Suiza H6B Coupé – although it was originally an Olympia motor show car.

When it appeared on the Hispano-Suiza stand, it was wearing coupé coachwork by Hooper & Co; subsequently bought by first owner Lt-Cdr Montague Grahame-White, it quickly went on to take first prize at various Concours events between 1927 and 1930.

The body it’s wearing today was built by Park Ward in 1929. Although originally worn by a Bentley 6½ Litre, it’s fairly close to the original. The history file includes extensive photos of it being fitted, as well as the restoration in 2010.

When it was new, the H6B was among the most advanced cars on the road, and they’re still excellent to drive today. With the intention of making this a usable ‘on the button’ tourer, however, a number of upgrades were carried out for the previous owner.

Specialist engineers from Kenworthy & Company, which has looked after the Hispano in recent years, worked their way through it to improve usability and reliability. Modifications to the cooling system include an electric fan, internal temperature gauge and a custom expansion tank. Although flashing indicators are now incorporated into the sidelights, the original semaphore system has been retained.

It is offered in ‘impeccable order’ and is expected to sell for £350,000-400,000.

bonhams.com