1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C ‘Tulipwood’ Torpedo
The 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C “Tulipwood” Torpedo is an extraordinary and unique automobile with a rich history. It was commissioned by André Dubonnet, a decorated World War I flying ace and car racer, who desired a vehicle that could compete in the 1924 Targa Florio, an open road endurance race in Sicily.
To create this unique car, Dubonnet turned to Hispano-Suiza, a Spanish automotive and engineering firm known for producing high-quality luxury cars and aviation engines. The H6C model was already known for its engineering excellence, featuring a 6.6-liter inline-six engine that delivered impressive performance for the time.
The most distinctive feature of this particular H6C is its bodywork, which was crafted from tulipwood strips. The body was not made by Hispano-Suiza but by Nieuport-Astra, an aviation company.
The use of wood for the body was likely inspired by Dubonnet’s aviation background and the techniques used in airplane construction during that era. The wooden strips were fastened to a lightweight frame, resulting in a striking and aerodynamic form that was also very lightweight, further enhancing the car’s performance.
The craftsmanship involved in creating the “Tulipwood” Torpedo was extraordinary, and the car’s aesthetic is unlike any other. The combination of the luxurious wood finish with the mechanical prowess of the Hispano-Suiza engineering made it a masterpiece of automotive art and a symbol of opulence and speed.
The 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C “Tulipwood” Torpedo by Nieuport-Astra is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and unique cars ever built. Despite its beauty, the vehicle was also built for competition, and its participation in the Targa Florio added to its lore.
Today, this Hispano-Suiza remains a symbol of the intersection of automotive design and art. It represents a time when the boundaries between a racing car and a piece of moving sculpture were blurred.
As a one-off creation, it is incredibly rare and valuable, admired by car enthusiasts and collectors worldwide for its unique beauty and historical significance. In 2022, it sold for over 9 million dollars at an auction in California.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
