This year we completed the epic restoration of the spectacular 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C ‘Boulogne’ – a project spanning five years of intensive work and one we are incredibly proud of. Carrying out a full ‘nut and bolt’ restoration like this is the ultimate privilege and thrill, and we have been delighted that the finished car has been so well received. Since its debut at Pebble Beach in the summer, it has won several awards including:
We are incredibly honoured to receive these awards and to be recognised amongst some of the world’s finest car restorers and perhaps the greatest accolade was hearing the judges of the RAC Historic Motoring Awards describe the Hispano as ‘perhaps the most exceptional restoration they’ve ever seen’.
Any Hispano-Suiza H6C is an exciting car. They were the most advanced luxury and high-performance car of the period capable of speeds up to 100mph. This particular H6C’s first owner was Glen Kidston: ‘Bentley Boy’, Le Mans winner, aviator, and Uncle to the present owner, Simon Kidston, who impressively set upon a heartfelt mission to restore the car to exactly how it was when his Uncle owned it.
This restoration has been like no other – recreating saloon coachwork bucks the trends in modern restorations; doing it on behalf of the car’s original owner’s nephew adds an extra element of heart and soul; and ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of the car is exactly as it was when first produced involves continuous research, technical expertise and commitment to uphold every detail.
The research element to this restoration at first proved difficult but we eventually struck gold when the Science Museum permitted us to access the original Hooper archives. This provided us with a detailed description of the car’s original specification and all accessories fitted. The Beaulieu Archive uncovered many reference documents, including the 1925 Autocar article further detailing the car.
Mechanically no stone has been left unturned with a complete mechanical restoration carried out. The Hispano engine is beautifully made and highly complex, with very limited spare parts available. Many items were specially produced including engine drive gears and a new crankshaft. Yarn was specially made to recreate the original-coloured braided wire. The car’s complex Stevenson Jacking System was reverse engineered using only period advertisement drawings. The exacting detail is almost indescribable.
This restoration has been a journey of teamwork and collaboration across a multitude of talented craftspeople. Our own talented team have worked alongside some of the finest coachbuilders, painters, carpenters, trimmers, weavers and specialists our trade has to offer and the completed car speaks for itself. Our sincere thanks go out to everyone who has contributed to this formidable restoration.
