As competition to the best that Bugatti, Alfa Romeo, Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Isotta-Fraschini could offer, the J12 in many respects was the superior design.
The centerpiece of every J12 was its locomotive-like 60˚ V12 which could produce 250 bhp no a good day. The 10-liter engine used a 70 lbs crankshaft held in seven main bearings. Spark was provided by 2 Scintilla magnetos and many ancilary pieces were cast from aluminum with very low tolerances.
Much of the chassis was over-engineered to achieve a near-silent operation noise ease of use. It had fully adjustable servo-assisted brakes and the tranmission was geared for the extreme torque made by the engine.
The J12 was one of the most expensive pre-war chassis, costing $10,150.
Chassis & Sales.
14018-1936 Hispano-Suiza Type 68 J12 Cabriolet. Sold at David Gooding’s 2010 Scottsdale Auction for $1,400,000 USD. Described as “According to the Hispano-Suiza Society, chassis number 14018 was originally fitted with this wonderful, open body by Saoutchik and was delivered to its first owner on December 30, 1936. Like much of the earliest history of this car, the first owner eludes any firm information, but it is believed that a Czech film star was the original caretaker of this J12.” Owned by Michel Seydoux of Sclumberger oil fortune who had Lecoq restore the body and interior. Used in the 1979 James Bond film Moonraker. Displayed at the 1988 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
1934 Hispano-Suiza J12 Gallery
See full 1934 Hispano-Suiza J12 Gallery here
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | France |
| price $ | $ 10,150 |
| engine | 60˚ V12 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| ignition | 2 Scintilla Magnetos |
| valvetrain | Pushrod OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Dual Solex Downdraft Carburetors |
| displacement | 9425 cc / 575.1 in³ |
| bore | 100 mm / 3.94 in |
| stroke | 100 mm / 3.94 in |
| power | 164.1 kw / 220 bhp @ 3500 rpm |
| specific output | 23.34 bhp per litre |
| front brakes | Mechanical Drums w/Servo Assist |
| rear brakes | Mechanical Drums w/Servo Assist |
| f suspension | Wishbones w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs |
| r suspension | Live Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs |
| transmission | 3-Speed Manual Gearbox w/Synchromesh |
| top speed | ~149.7 kph / 93.0 mph |
14036-1934 Hispano-Suiza J12 Fernandez & Darrin Coupe de Ville. Built for Anthony Gustav, a founder of the Rothschild banking house as one of two specially prepared cars. The rear of the car was almost completely enclosed for passenger privacy. It was used by the Rothschild’s for 15 years and was auctioned in 1982 for $150,000 USD. Displayed at the 54th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance by Robert Lee who also displayed the K6 Coupe Chauffeur sister car on chassis 15008.
Keyword: 1934 Hispano-Suiza J12