Imagine driving a unique car down the road. That’s exactly what French pilot and racing driver André Dubonnet experienced in 1938 when he commissioned the Hispano-Suiza H6B Dubonnet Xenia. Hispano-Suiza, a Spanish car manufacturer, crafted this exclusive luxury vehicle using the H6B chassis and gave it a distinct appearance.
h/t: vintag.es
The Dubonnet Xenia boasts a powerful engine that achieves a top speed of around 110 mph (177 km/h). Its exterior design takes strong inspiration from aviation and Art Deco styles, which were popular at the time. The unique appearance of the car is enhanced by its wraparound windshield, large slatted grill, and rear-hinged doors that slide out and back towards the rear.
The Dubonnet Xenia boasts an aerodynamic design. Its teardrop shape tapers towards the rear, effectively minimizing drag. The car’s fender skirts cover the rear wheels, contributing to drag reduction. This technique was initially introduced a decade ago on a car designed for breaking land speed records.
The Dubonnet Xenia exemplifies the creativity and ingenuity of automobile designers from a bygone era. It is an artistic masterpiece that displays the beauty and elegance of luxury cars from the late 1930s.
