Different era, same DNA – the Hispano Suiza Xenia Dubonnet and the Carmen, together for the very first time

Hispano Suiza has brought together for the first time two of its most iconic cars, the historic 1938 Xenia Dubonnet, and the all-electric Carmen. The stage was the “Chantilly Arts et Élégance” concours, held at the majestic Château de Chantilly, just North of Paris. Despite their 81-year age gap, both models share many similarities, since the Xenia Dubonnet was the inspiration for the design of the Carmen, a model with which Hispano Suiza made its return to the automotive world just over three years ago. The Xenia Dubonnet currently belongs to the Mullin Automotive Museum Collection.

The Xenia Dubonnet is considered one of the most elegant and innovative cars in the history of Hispano Suiza. It was created by André Dubonnet, an aviator, athlete, racing driver and inventor who knew the potential of Hispano Suiza engines, since he had used them on his airplanes and had competed with them in car races. Amazed by its capabilities, he decided to purchase a Hispano Suiza H6C, which he chose to personalise with a new, more aerodynamic bodywork and also with the independent suspension system that he himself had patented. He named it after his wife, Xenia, and unveiled it in 1938.