• Offered from The Timeless Collection
• Arguably the finest and most desirable French chassis of the Classic Era
• A wonderful J12 with long-term known history
• Originally delivered to French textile magnate Marcel Boussac, owner of Christian Dior
• Provenance documented by noted historian Marc Rabineau
• An exciting restoration and concours showing opportunity

Please note this car is offered without registration papers, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction.

Veuillez noter que cette voiture est proposée sans papiers d'immatriculation, les enchérisseurs doivent s'assurer des conditions d'immatriculation dans leur propre juridiction.

The finest model produced by one of France’s greatest automobile manufacturers, the Hispano-Suiza J12 is unrivalled 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.

This particular J12, with its handsome coupé chauffeur body by Kellner, was originally registered in July 1935 to Marcel Boussac, a French textile magnate who owned the renowned fashion house, Christian Dior. Following his 1938 wedding to Belgian singer Fanny Heldy, it was used mainly by the new Mrs. Boussac for travelling in town and continental touring.

In April 1955 the car was acquired by a firm in Paris, and later that decade was exported to the United Kingdom. It reappeared in the 1970s owned by the prolific racing driver, enthusiast, and connoisseur, Michel Poberejsky, a.k.a. “Mike Sparken,” and was overhauled in his ownership by noted mechanic Louis Rossigneux at Gaston Garino’s garage, Sport Auto. In 1975 it was sold by Poberejsky to Count Frederic Chandon de Brialles who, three years later, sold it at auction to American collector, Dr. Donald Vesley of Florida. The car was acquired from Mrs. Vesley by the present collection in 2003.

This J12 will be warmly welcomed at any number of international concours events upon completion of its restoration, as a sterling example of one of the all-time great pre-war cars.

Please note this car will be taken to Nieuw-Vennep in the Netherlands immediately following the sale, and onward transport will need to be arranged from there.

Veuillez noter que cette voiture sera transportée à Nieuw-Vennep, aux Pays-Bas, immédiatement après la vente, et que le transport ultérieur devra être organisé depuis cette adresse.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/pa24/.