Hispano-Suiza — “Spanish-Swiss” — was one of the great luxury car makers of the early 20th century. Founded in Barcelona in 1904 with Swiss engineer Marc Birkigt as its technical genius, it also built cars in France. Its H6 of 1919 was so advanced that Rolls-Royce licensed its servo-assisted brakes, and its V8 aircraft engines powered many Allied fighter planes in the First World War, which is why its cars carry a flying stork mascot. Car production ended before the Second World War, but the name was revived in the 2020s for electric hypercars.

At a glance
Founded 1904, Barcelona
Chief engineer Marc Birkigt
Famous car H6 (1919)
Aero engines V8s powering WWI fighters such as the SPAD
Mascot Flying stork

The H6

Introduced at the 1919 Paris Motor Show, the H6 had a 6.6-litre straight-six with an overhead camshaft and an aluminum block — aircraft-engine technology. Its four-wheel brakes with a mechanical servo were so effective that Rolls-Royce licensed the design. Wealthy owners across Europe and America treated it as an equal to the Rolls-Royce.

The stork

In the First World War, Hispano-Suiza V8 engines powered French fighters, including those of the elite Escadrille des Cigognes (“Stork Squadron”). The flying stork became the Hispano-Suiza mascot in tribute.

The J12

In 1931 Hispano-Suiza introduced the J12, a massive V12 luxury car, one of the most powerful cars of its time. Like other ultra-luxury cars, it was hit hard by the Depression.

After cars

The French company increasingly focused on aviation, and car production ended by the late 1930s. The Spanish side was absorbed into what became the truck maker Pegaso. In 2019, the Hispano-Suiza name returned with the Carmen, an electric hypercar built in small numbers.

Legacy

Hispano-Suiza cars remain prized at concours events, and their engineering influence — especially in brakes and aluminum engines — was widespread. Read the Bugatti Royale and coachbuilders history.