In a spectacular international debut, the 1927 Hispano-Suiza H6C belonging to the Pranlal Bhogilal Collection has been crowned ‘Best of Show’ at the Concours d’Elegance International Schlumpf in France. The inaugural show was hosted by the famous Schlumpf collection in Mulhouse, which itself houses over 520 of the world’s grandest vehicles, making this a significant win for a car of Indian provenance.
The late Pranlal Bhogilal’s son-in-law, Brijesh Chinai, who helps look after the collection along with his wife Chamundeshwari, was pleasantly surprised by the win. “We weren’t expecting this but are thrilled,” he said, while stressing that there is more work to be done. The 1927 Hispano-Suiza forms part of the massive Pranlal Bhogilal Collection, which includes around 200 vintage and classic cars, many of which can be seen at the Auto World Vintage Car Museum in Ahmedabad.
Returning close to its birthplace on the French-Swiss border after nearly a century, this automotive icon, marks a yet another monumental moment where the custom cars ordered by the Maharajas and Nawabs of India have come out on top in international concourses.
To understand how special this car is, one must take a look at its history and the story behind it. Its first owner, Maharaja Jaisingh of Alwar, was a fan of the Spanish-Swiss marque, and this is only one of two custom extra long wheelbase cars ever ordered. He is said to have owned a total of fourteen Hispano Suizas.
This specific car, Chassis 11760 or "Alwar 3", represents the absolute zenith of bespoke twenties luxury. The standard H6C chassis was already long in beam, but the Maharaja required an even longer platform to accommodate his requirements inside the cabin. Because Hispano-Suiza charged astronomical premiums for custom-lengthened chassis engineering, only two extra-long-wheelbase H6Cs, were ever built. And both were ordered by Alwar. Also of note, both are also still in India.
The coachwork for Alwar 3 was made by H.J. Mulliner in England. There were many special requirements. The Maharaja was a strict vegetarian, and forbade the use of any leather inside the car. Mulliner instead it is said draped the vast, four-window limousine cabin in opulent silk. Also because this car was to serve as a ceremonial vehicle as well the one used for royal hunts, the coachbuilder integrated custom gun cases on the running boards and large searchlights.
Motive power to pull this massive limo came from an engine derived from aviation. Under the impossibly long bonnet sits an eight litre aluminum overhead-cam straight-six engine. Derived directly from Hispano-Suiza's legendary World War I aviation V12, this six cylinder put out a massive for the 20s, 160 horsepower. But it wasn't just the power that made the H6C a legend.
Stopping power was also special; it uses massive alloy drum brakes on all four wheels, that use industry-first power-assist servos. The tech was so good, Rolls-Royce actually licensed the design for their own vehicles.
The coachwork for Alwar 3 was done right here in India at the Super Car Club Garage (belonging to Raymond) in Thane. The first level of restoration brought the car back to life, just before shipping out to France, where the car will undergo some mechanical work, fine-tuning and detail work.
Of note is the fact that "Alwar 2" (Chassis 11744), still sits in a beautifully weathered, unrestored condition in the courtyard of the Alwar Palace. No one knows where the 12 other Hispano Suiza’s owned by Alwar are. Legend is the Maharaja used them for three years and then buried them!
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
Viraaj Bhatnagar
