To create a rolling showcase for his ideas, Andre Dubonnet purchased an extensively modified Hispano-Suiza chassis that he had seen at the 1932 Paris Salon. The 1938 Dubonnet Hispano-Suiza H6B Xenia was deigned by Jean Andreau, a man known for designing avant-garde streamlined aircraft and automobiles.
In 1938 Dubonnet employed renowned coachbuilder, Jacques Saoutchik, to construct this revolutionary body – Dubonnet’s fifth prototype attempt that he named Xenia after his late wife.
Xenia was hidden during the war and did not reappear until June 9 1946 at the opening of the Saint Cloud highway tunnel outside Paris.
The 1938 Dubonnet Hispano-Suiza H6B Xenia is a remarkable blend of innovative engineering and breathtaking design. With its powerful engine, advanced suspension, and Art Deco styling, the Xenia stands as a testament to the visionary collaboration between André Dubonnet and Hispano-Suiza. It remains a celebrated classic, admired for its technical achievements and timeless beauty, and continues to inspire automotive enthusiasts and designers worldwide.
Background
- Designer: André Dubonnet, with coachwork by Jacques Saoutchik.
- Manufacturer: Hispano-Suiza, a Spanish-French luxury automobile and engineering company.
- Year: 1938
- Model: H6B Xenia
Specifications
- Engine: The Xenia is powered by a 6.5-liter inline-six engine, producing around 135 horsepower. This engine was known for its smoothness and reliability, traits that were hallmarks of Hispano-Suiza's engineering.
- Transmission: It features a three-speed manual transmission.
- Chassis: The car is built on the Hispano-Suiza H6B chassis, renowned for its advanced engineering and build quality.
- Suspension: One of the most notable features of the Xenia is its innovative independent suspension system, developed by André Dubonnet himself. This system significantly improved ride quality and handling.
Design and Features
- Body Style: The Xenia is a two-door coupé with a streamlined, aerodynamic design that was ahead of its time.
- Design: The design of the Xenia is futuristic and elegant, with a focus on aerodynamics. It features flowing lines, a teardrop-shaped body, and an enclosed cockpit. The car has large, sweeping fenders, a distinctive split windshield, and retractable glass windows. The overall design was influenced by Dubonnet's background in aeronautics.
- Interior: The interior of the Xenia is luxurious, featuring high-quality materials such as leather and wood. It offers a comfortable and opulent cabin for its occupants, in keeping with the standards of Hispano-Suiza's luxury vehicles.
Performance
- Speed: The combination of the powerful inline-six engine and aerodynamic body allowed the Xenia to achieve impressive speeds for its time, estimated at around 110 mph (177 km/h).
- Handling: The innovative independent suspension system developed by Dubonnet provided superior handling and ride comfort, making the Xenia not only fast but also a pleasure to drive.
Historical Significance
- Innovative Engineering: The Dubonnet Xenia is renowned for its advanced engineering, particularly the independent suspension system, which influenced future automotive designs.
- Art Deco Masterpiece: The car is considered an Art Deco masterpiece, reflecting the design and cultural influences of the late 1930s. Its futuristic styling and elegance make it a standout example of pre-war automotive design.
- Unique Collaboration: The Xenia represents a unique collaboration between André Dubonnet and Hispano-Suiza, combining Dubonnet's innovative ideas with Hispano-Suiza's engineering excellence and craftsmanship.
Legacy
- Collector's Item: Today, the 1938 Dubonnet Hispano-Suiza H6B Xenia is a highly prized collector's item. Its rarity, historical significance, and unmatched design make it one of the most sought-after classic cars.
- Preservation: The Xenia is often displayed at prestigious classic car shows and automotive museums, where it continues to attract admiration and interest from enthusiasts and historians.
- Influence on Automotive Design: The car's advanced engineering and design have had a lasting impact on the automotive industry, influencing the development of suspension systems and aerodynamic styling in subsequent decades.
You may purchase a print of the 1938 Dubonnet Hispano-Suiza H6b Xenia in our dElegance 2018 online gallery.
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