A highly unique vintage vehicle, initially possessed by the head of Christian Dior, is on the market for £345,000. Crafted in 1934, the blue Hispano-Suiza J12 Coupé Chauffeur, equipped with a 9.5-liter V12 engine, was initially registered to Marcel Boussac in July of the following year.
Boussac, who financed Christian Dior 11 years later, enjoyed two decades of ownership, chauffeuring around with his wife Fanny Heldy.
The convertible car, one of only 120 ever manufactured, was tailored for elite chauffeur-driven experiences, featuring plush blue velvet-covered rear seats for optimal comfort.
Capable of reaching 93mph and accelerating from 0-60mph in just 11 seconds, this exceptional vehicle is set to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on January 31 in Paris as part of The Timeless Collection.
A spokesperson from the auction house highlighted, “The Hispano-Suiza J12 is unparalleled in its smoothness, exceptional power, and excellent road manners, standing as one of the most modern 12-cylinder automobiles created before World War II.
Instances of this revered model rarely come up for sale.” The spokesperson emphasized the significance of this specific J12, featuring a stylish coupé chauffeur body by Kellner, originally registered to Marcel Boussac in July 1935, marking a chapter in the history of the renowned fashion house, Christian Dior.
“Subsequent to his marriage to Belgian singer Fanny Heldy in 1938, the car predominantly served the newlywed Mrs. Boussac for local commuting and continental excursions,” the spokesperson explained.
He continued, “In April 1955, a Parisian firm acquired the car, and later that decade, it was exported to the United Kingdom. “It resurfaced in the 1970s under the ownership of the prolific racing driver, enthusiast, and connoisseur, Michel Poberejsky, aka ‘Mike Sparken.’
“And underwent refurbishment during his ownership by renowned mechanic Louis Rossigneux at Gaston Garino’s Sport Auto garage. “In 1975, Poberejsky sold it to Count Frederic Chandon de Brialles, who, three years later, auctioned it to American collector Dr.
Donald Vesley of Florida. “The car was acquired from Mrs. Vesley by the current collection in 2003. “This J12, upon completion of its restoration, will be warmly received at numerous international concours events, serving as an exemplary representation of one of the preeminent pre-war automobiles.”
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