Description
The Hispano-Suiza 68 V12 was one of the most remarkable and technically sophisticated luxury cars of the interwar period—a rare example of the company’s continual pursuit of perfection in both engineering and refinement. Developed in the early 1930s, the Type 68 represented the next stage in Hispano-Suiza’s evolution from the legendary H6 series. It was designed to cater to the elite clientele who demanded not only the finest craftsmanship but also cutting-edge technology and power from their automobiles.
At the heart of the Hispano-Suiza 68 was its magnificent V12 engine, a design that stemmed directly from the company’s aircraft engineering expertise. Marc Birkigt, the Swiss-born chief engineer behind the brand’s greatest innovations, developed the 68’s 9.4-litre (later enlarged to 11.3-litre in some versions) aluminum V12 engine with an overhead camshaft—an advanced configuration that combined strength, refinement, and astonishing smoothness. Producing around 220 horsepower, the engine made the car one of the most powerful luxury automobiles of its time, capable of sustained high-speed touring with remarkable serenity.
This new V12 engine was an evolution of the one used in the earlier Hispano-Suiza J12, which had already established itself as one of the most sophisticated powerplants of the 1930s. The 68, however, incorporated refinements to reduce vibration and improve throttle response. It was designed for effortless torque and near-silent operation, characteristics that defined Hispano-Suiza’s reputation as a builder of “the silent car with the power of flight.”
The chassis of the Hispano-Suiza 68 was engineered to match the brilliance of its engine. Built for stability and comfort, it featured a long wheelbase and carefully tuned suspension, ensuring an exceptionally smooth ride even on rough continental roads. Servo-assisted four-wheel brakes—an innovation pioneered by Hispano-Suiza a decade earlier—were included as standard, providing confident and controlled stopping power for a car of considerable size and weight.
As was typical for Hispano-Suiza, the chassis was delivered to the world’s finest coachbuilders, who crafted bespoke bodies tailored to the owner’s taste. These included Saoutchik, Vanvooren, Letourneur et Marchand, and Kellner—each interpreting the car’s grand proportions in their own artistic language. Most Hispano-Suiza 68s were bodied as elegant limousines, grand coupés, or cabriolets, with designs that exuded restrained luxury rather than ostentation. Chrome was used sparingly, lines were graceful and aerodynamic, and the craftsmanship was of the very highest order.
Inside, the 68 V12 offered unsurpassed comfort and opulence. The cabins were finished in the finest leathers and polished woods, with every control and instrument meticulously crafted. Owners could expect custom-fitted details such as folding tables, integrated clocks, crystal vases, and even bespoke luggage to match the car’s upholstery. The experience was one of absolute luxury—an environment designed for royalty, diplomats, and industrial magnates.
Performance was impressive for a car of such stature. The 68 V12 could comfortably reach speeds in excess of 160 km/h (100 mph), yet it did so with the effortless refinement of a true grand tourer. The engine’s near-silent operation and abundant torque meant that it could glide from idle to high speed with barely a murmur, and its handling—though stately—was surprisingly composed for such a large machine.
Only a small number of Hispano-Suiza 68 V12 models were ever built, as production was interrupted by the economic challenges of the 1930s and the impending Second World War. Each surviving example today is considered a masterpiece of early automotive engineering and bespoke craftsmanship, standing shoulder to shoulder with contemporary legends such as the Rolls-Royce Phantom III and the Bugatti Type 41 Royale.
The Hispano-Suiza 68 V12 remains one of the most refined and technically accomplished luxury cars ever produced. It represented the culmination of Marc Birkigt’s genius—an automobile that combined the smoothness of a V12 engine with the precision of Swiss design and the elegance of French artistry. Today, it stands as a symbol of the golden age of motoring, when the automobile reached the height of mechanical grace and aristocratic sophistication.