Hispano-Suiza is a Spanish automobile business founded in 1904 that produced aircraft engines and luxury motor cars.
With the support and backing of King Alfonso XIII of Spain, Hispano-Suiza became a contender for Rolls-Royce with its art-deco styling.
With some well-known owners, including Albert Einstein, Coco Chanel, and Pablo Picasso.
Unfortunately, the Spanish Civil War broke out in 1936, diluting the interest in luxury motoring.
Hispano built their last car in 1946.
In 2019, Hispano Suiza (without a hyphen) launched the Carmen at the Geneva Motor Show.
Like Marmite, you either like the styling or you don’t.
Hyperlux, a new one for me, means a blend of ‘Hypercar-rivalling performance with exquisite luxury craftsmanship and meticulous attention to technical and engineering detail.’
The production numbers are strictly limited, enhancing the rarity. The Hispano Suiza Carmen is limited to 24, and Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne is even more limited.
Despite the tiny numbers, the customisation service provides a possible 1,904 options for the Carmen, meaning that there will never be two cars the same.
The Carmen hits 60mph in three seconds, and the Carmen Boulogne in 2.6 seconds.
As to the name Carmen, it is the name of the current president’s mother.
Damián Mateu, today’s president, is Miguel Mateu’s great-grandson, the company’s original founder.
‘Driving a Hispano Suiza is like piloting a piece of art at 180 miles per hour’.
