In a poignant tribute to the legacy of Peter Mullin, the renowned car collector and founder of the now-closed Mullin Automotive Museum, Gooding & Company will auction a coveted 1933 Hispano-Suiza J12 Cabriolet. This rare and exquisite vehicle is part of a select collection that will be presented on April 26 in Oxnard, California, where the museum was located. The Hispano-Suiza J12 stands out not only for its advanced engineering and luxurious design but also for its rich history and association with European nobility.
Founded in Barcelona in 1904, Hispano-Suiza quickly rose to prominence, not just as a car manufacturer but also as a major supplier of engines during World War I. The brand became synonymous with luxury and innovation, catering to clientele that included Spanish royalty. The J12 model, introduced in 1931, epitomized this luxury, powered by a formidable 9.4-liter V-12 engine that delivered 220 horsepower, a remarkable feat at the time.
This particular J12 Cabriolet, bodied by Parisian coachbuilder Carrosserie Vanvooren, is noted for its elegant and timeless design. Its distinguished provenance includes ownership by notable collectors such as Dr. Sam Scher, Richard Paine, and John Mozart before joining the Mullin Collection in 1992. The vehicle has graced many prestigious events, including multiple appearances at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it received numerous accolades.
As it goes under the hammer without reserve, this Hispano-Suiza J12 is anticipated to command a high-end estimate of $3.5 million. Its sale represents not only a significant transaction in the collector car world but also a celebration of automotive art and history, marking the end of an era for the Mullin Automotive Museum and its illustrious founder.
Shawn Henry