A remarkably rare vintage car, the Hispano-Suiza J12 Coupé Chauffeur, initially owned by Christian Dior’s boss, is on the market for £345,000. Crafted in 1934, this 9.5-liter V12 engine vehicle was registered to Marcel Boussac in July of the same year.
Boussac, a key financier of Christian Dior 11 years later, possessed the car for two decades, often chauffeured with his wife Fanny Heldy.
As one of only 120 ever manufactured, this convertible car was designed for luxurious chauffeur-driven experiences. The plush blue velvet-covered rear seats contribute to ultimate comfort.
Capable of reaching 93mph and accelerating 0-60mph in just 11 seconds, it stands out as a masterpiece of French automobile craftsmanship. Set for auction on January 31 by RM Sotheby’s in Paris, it is part of their prestigious collection, The Timeless Collection.
A representative from RM Sotheby’s emphasized, “The Hispano-Suiza J12 is unrivaled for its smoothness, outstanding power, and excellent road manners, as one of the most modern 12-cylinder automobiles produced prior to World War II. Very seldom do examples of this treasured model become available for sale.”
Expanding on the car’s intriguing history, the Sotheby’s representative elaborated: “This specific J12, featuring a stylish coupé chauffeur body by Kellner, was initially registered in July 1935 to Marcel Boussac, a prominent French textile magnate associated with the renowned fashion house, Christian Dior.
After his 1938 marriage to Belgian singer Fanny Heldy, the car became primarily the mode of transportation for Mrs. Boussac in both urban settings and continental tours.”
Continuing the narrative, he stated, “By April 1955, the vehicle changed hands to a Parisian firm and eventually made its way to the United Kingdom by the end of that decade.
During the 1970s, the car was owned by Michel Poberejsky, a notable racing driver, enthusiast, and connoisseur known as ‘Mike Sparken.’ Under his ownership, it underwent a comprehensive overhaul by renowned mechanic Louis Rossigneux at Gaston Garino’s Sport Auto garage. In 1975, Poberejsky sold it to Count Frederic Chandon de Brialles, who later auctioned it to American collector Dr.
Donald Vesley of Florida in 1978. The car eventually joined the present collection in 2003.”
Highlighting its potential post-restoration, the spokesperson expressed, “Upon completion of its restoration, this J12 is poised to be a standout attraction at various international concours events—a testament to its status as one of the exceptional pre-war automotive masterpieces.”
