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The Rothschild Hispanos

Anthony Gustav was a founder of the Rothschild banking house in London. This was a important bank among Western nations and one which belonged to an international banking family which had a great influence on European economic history. When Anthony and his wife chose their personal transportation, they ordered twin Hispano-Suizas, some of the most highly regarded, and expensive, chassis of the thirties.

Anthony ordered both a K6 and J12 from Hispano-Suiza. At the time, the J12 was one of the most expensive Hispano-Suiza chassis, costing $10 150 and featuring a V12 similar to the fighter plane engines of the era. Both chassis were sent to Howard R. Darrin to receive his most striking bodies. Darrin, who had originally coachbuilt in the Netherlands, had relocated to the United States with financial assistance from Fernandez. Despite the move, Darrin's designs remained captivating and exciting.

The first of two bodies was a Coupe Chauffeur limousine built for the longer K6 chassis (15008) having a 146.5-inch wheelbase. This car was more formal, having a closed passenger compartment and quieter, less powerful engine. The outward design is quite remarkable, having very few parallel lines with two extremely raked windscreens and a teardrop rear end. The car stayed with the family over 50 years.

Having the same design language and color scheme, the second car was similar to the first but had a closed coupe body built upon a very potent J12 chassis (14036). The rear passengers had complete privacy, with no outward windows until a small window was placed on the rear for safety reasons. The family kept this car for 15 years. It was auctioned in 1982 and sold for $150 000 USD. The current estimated value is over ten times that figure.

Both cars have been to auction and have since ended up in the collection of Robert Lee as a match set once again. They were both displayed at the 54th annual Pebble Beach Concours for the Hispano-Suiza anniversary.

Story by Richard Owen for Supercars.net