The marque name translates to Spanish-Swiss in English. The Swiss-born engineer Marc Birkigt designed the 54 CV 220 HP V-12 engine that powered this J12 model. The company was headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, but many of the cars were built by a French subsidiary, including the J12, which was produced in very limited numbers from 1931 to 1938
The chassis alone of this particular car cost $13,750 in 1931. The complete car, including the Saoutchik body, was $26,500, at that time an astronomical sum of money!
Tags: 1931 Hispano-Suiza Saoutchik Convertible Cabriolet photo
Body is by the French coachbuilder Saoutchik.
From Road & Track, February 1965: "It offers the driver a choice of several body styles. At one time it can be a huge open roadster seating two; later a snug, comfortable closed 4-passenger coupe; then a swank coupe de ville; and, finally, an open 4-passenger victoria. It all depends upon how one combines the top and deck positions."
Tags: 1931 Hispano-Suiza Saoutchik Cabriolet Convertible photo
From Motor Trend, Nov. 1968. Illustration by James Finnell