Hispano-Suiza’s name, of course, means Spanish-Swiss, a nod to the origins of engineer Marc Birkigt and to the company’s founding in Barcelona. While the most famous Hispanos of the Classic Era were built at the firm’s factory in France, the Barcelona works was very much in business at the same time, and produced in many cases, versions of the same models for the Spanish market. Among these was the Type 16T, which featured the Type 30 engine, a rather advanced overhead-cam four-cylinder design displacing 2,951 cubic centimeters and rated at 16 horsepower, delivered through a three-speed transmission and multiple-disc clutch. Per Manuel Lage’s La Hispano Suiza, A Pioneer Company: The Alfonso XIII Sports Car, about 956 of these cars were made, all in Barcelona, between 1916 and 1925.

The Type 16T offered here may well be the only example of the model in North America, out of about 15 surviving. It was recorded in the 1968 Antique Automobile Club of America roster and in the 1978 and 1980 Hispano-Suiza Society rosters as having been owned by William J. Markley of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, a well-known collector, enthusiast, and frequent Classic Car Club of America exhibitor of the era. The car is believed to have been restored during Mr. Markley’s ownership and to have appeared at the 1967 “Sports Cars in Review” show at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. While the exact date is not known, it is likely that Terence E. Adderley, a fellow Bloomfield Hills resident, acquired the car directly from Mr. Markley, at least 32 years ago, as it was listed with Mr. Adderley by the time of the 1992 HSS roster. The car still wears its original restoration, with original stampings visible on the engine as well as on the serial number plate on the dashboard.

An exceptionally scarce Spanish-market Hispano-Suiza with long-term history in the States, this car would be a wonderful, sporting counterpoint to the H6 or J12 in one’s collection, or simply entertaining to enjoy in its own right once awakened from its years on display. It has considerable charm and appeal to any enthusiast.