Hispano-Suiza H6B Dubonnet Xenia

The Hispano-Suiza H6B Dubonnet Xenia is a one-off luxury car built on the chassis of a Hispano-Suiza H6B for French pilot and racing car driver André Dubonnet in 1938. Although it is based on an H6B, it uses the larger, more powerful engine from the H6C, features an entirely new suspension system designed by Dubonnet, and a body built by coachbuilder Saoutchik from a design by aerodynamicist Jean Édouard Andreau.[1][2]

History

In the 1920s, André Dubonnet became involved with automobiles as a racing driver for Bugatti and Hispano-Suiza, participating in Grand Prix events like the 1926 Targa Florio and winning the 1922 Autumn Grand Prix at Monza.[3]

Specifications

Powertrain

Although based on the chassis of the H6B, the Dubonnet Xenia uses the upgraded straight-6 engine from the H6C model. This 7983 cc SOHC engine utilized an aluminum block and a billet steel crankshaft for a lighter and stronger construction.[11] The engine produced 160 hp at 3,050 rpm,[12] able to propel the car to an estimated top speed of around 110 mph thanks to the slippery aerodynamics of the body.[13]

Transmission

The Dubonnet Xenia was built with a 4-speed manual transmission built by Hispano-Suiza.[12] This is another difference from the production H6 models, all of which used 3-speed manuals.

Suspension

As a showcase of his own automotive inventions, the Dubonnet Xenia utilized Dubonnet's custom independent coil spring suspension at all four wheels. This design was intended to improve the comfort and smoothness of the ride, with Dubonnet claiming the system had "the suppleness of a cat", and likening the experience of driving the car to floating on air.[12]

The Dubonnet Xenia used the standard brakes from the production H6B, which meant servo-assisted alloy brake drums at the front and rear axles.[1]

Exterior features

The exterior of the Dubonnet Xenia features many aviation and Art Deco inspired details owing to the time period and Dubonnet's history as a fighter pilot in World War I. These details include the wraparound windshield, said to be one of, if not the first, applications of a compound curved windshield on a car,[14][15] as well as the large slatted grill extending below the long hood, and the unconventional "pantograph" doors that are attached to the car by a rectangular panel, and operate by swinging out and back towards the rear of the car, while remaining parallel to the body.

Dubonnet's focus on aerodynamics can also be seen in the exterior design of the car. The flared front fenders taper off in a teardrop shape towards the rear, as does the tail of the car. Notably, the Dubonnet Xenia has fender skirts that cover almost the entirety of the rear wheels to reduce drag, a technique pioneered 10 years earlier on a land speed record attempt car.[16]

manufacturer	Hispano-Suiza
production	1938 (1 built)
assembly	France: Paris (Bois-Colombes factory)
class	Luxury car
body style	2-door targa top
doors	Rear-hinged pantograph doors
layout	Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
engine	8.0 L straight-6
transmission	4-speed manual
wheelbase	4064 mm
length	5664 mm
width	1956 mm
height	1575 mm
related	Hispano-Suiza H6
designer	Jean Édouard Andreau Saoutchik