OUR HISTORY

THE LEGACY OF
GENIUS

MIGUEL SUQUÉ MATEU IS THE CURRENT PRESIDENT OF HISPANO SUIZA, A COMPANY OWNED BY THE SUQUÉ MATEU FAMILY FOR FOUR GENERATIONS.

THE
LEGEND
BEGINS

On 14 June 1904, a group of industrialists led by Mr. D. Damià Mateu and Mr. Francisco Seix founded the company LA HISPANO-SUIZA, an automobile manufacturer, in Barcelona. Technical direction fell to the prestigious engineer Marc Birkigt.

1904

1905

THE FIRST
HISPANO
SUIZA

On 20 January, the first Birkigt armoured model was delivered, a 20 HP, 4-cylinder 100 x 120 officially-timed engine that reached a speed of 87 kilometres per hour on flat land and 50 kilometres per hour on the slope of La Rabassada (Barcelona).

THE
ALFONSO
XIII

“Hispanos” began to participate in competitions and races. Aristocrats, intellectuals and the most renowned artists in the world owned Hispano Suiza’s cars. The brand presented the sports model named the Alfonso XIII, in honour of the monarch, with 45 CV and a splendid chassis that was one of the best models of the Belle Époque.

1911

Factory
in France

As a result of the strike, a factory in France, near Paris, was approved. The decision was also influenced by the greater availability of raw materials, the abundance of auxiliary industry, qualified labour and better conditions for export, among other factors.

1911

1913 1915

First engines
for aviation

In 1915, Birkigt manufactured the first aviation engine and, in subsequent years, the Spanish government and the allied countries continued to order engines for their aviation from Hispano-Suiza, manufacturing nearly 50,000.

New Factory
in Guadalajara

The company "La Hispano Suiza Fábrica de Automóviles y Material de Guerra, S.A.” was established, with its headquarters and factory in Guadalajara. The Hispano-Guadalajara factory produced cars known as the "Guadalajara" model and, above all, lorries.

1917

k6
presentation

In the autumn of 1934, the K6 is officially presented at the Paris Motor Show. The classic model had an elegant look whose body work was associated with big names of the car industry, such as Van Vooren, Kellner, Binder...

1934

Hispano Suiza
h6b dubonnet
xenia

The Xenia Dubonnet is considered one of the most elegant and innovative cars in the history. André Dubonnet, an aviator, athlete, racing driver and inventor personalised a H6B model with a new, more aerodynamic bodywork.. He named it after his wife, Xenia. This model, served as an inspiration for the current Hispano Suiza design team to shape the new era of the brand with the Carmen.

1938

1944 1946

NATIONALISATION
AND EXPROPIATION

The fate of the aircraft engine industry rests in the hands of INI (National Industry Institute) that has total control. INI creates ENASA, with headquarters in Madrid. The only way out of this situation is to sell the company.

HISPANO SUIZA’S
LAST PROJECT

SEAT, created by the INI three years before, launches the 1400 model and puts an end to Hispano Suiza’s last automobile Project, the A11.

1953

2000

HS21
CONCEPT CAR
PRESENTATION

Hispano - Suiza, Fábrica de Automóviles, S.A. and Mazel Car Engineering And Prototypes present the next generation HS21 vehicle in Geneva. The 2000 Barcelona – Sitges Rally is held and the Exhibition for the Centenary of HISPANO-SUIZA, is hosted in Finca Mas Solers with 11 cars on show, including the 1916 TORPEDO.

100 YEARS OF
HISPANO SUIZA

On 6 and 7 March 2004, Hispano Suiza takes part, with 12 of its cars, in the Barcelona – Sitges Rally for vehicles build before 1924, celebrating 100 years since its founding.

2004

Hispano Suiza
CARMEN
PROJECT

In 2019, the brand presented the Hispano Suiza Carmen, its new 100% electric hypercar, It has been developed and built in Barcelona by a group of 40 engineers and technicians with a wealth of experience in the world of motorsport.

2019

CARMEN
BOULOGNE
PRESENTATION

THE HISPANO SUIZA CARMEN BOULOGNE IS PRESENTED. A SPORTS-FOCUSED, TAILORMADE EVOLUTION OF THE CARMEN THAT REFLECTS THE BRAND'S RACING HERITAGE. THE BOULOGNE NAME DATES BACK TO 1921, WHEN HISPANO SUIZA ACHIEVED HISTORIC MOTORSPORT VICTORIES IN FRANCE.

2020

FIRST
DELIVERY
IN THE USA

On March 2022, Hispano Suiza delivers its first unit in the USA. The car is presented at The Amelia (Florida), one of the most unique Concours shows.

2022

2024

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