1922 Type T30 ''Rabassada '' Hispano-Suiza

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You might have seen this shiny car in Paris at the stand of Coupe-Fransisco Pueche. It is a 1922 Type T30 ''Rabassada '' Hispano-Suiza.

Let us tell you a little bit more about the history of this wonderful car.

After the Great War, it was important for Hispano-Suiza to raise the sales figures. Which meant that it was time to introduce a new model after the sales of previous successes decreased.

Just as most car builders, Hispano-Suiza knew that participating in various competitions gave good publicity to their cars. But to be even more successful they had to win races and gain victories, which they years earlier achieved with the ''Sardina'' racing car. The idea behind their strategy was that sporting victories attracts the attention of the media and therefore of the customers for their cars.

For this car, they used all mechanical components of the type 30. In Spanish races, racing classes up to 3,5 liters were very popular. What was the reason why they decided on a 3-liter engine with 4 cylinders with an overhead camshaft. The engine with number 4542 was tested at the factory in October 1920. Although later a different head was developed with higher compression, bigger valves, a different camshaft and a pair of 42mm Zenith carburettors.

The engine was fitted into a short and light pre-war chassis, also known as type 21. The chassis number 4880E (E for Especial in Spanish) has a wheelbase of 2,66mm. The engine and gearbox were placed further back to improve the weight balance.

In the first instance, the idea was to win a new hill climb race, named Rabassada. Hence the name Rabassada. Only the car never participated. Instead ''Rabassada '' was shown for the first time in June 1922 at the Barcelona Motor Exhibition, which was only a few days before the actual Hill climb.

So, did Hispano-Suiza really executed their strategy? We are not so sure. The only documented competition there is of the car is the ''Carrere en Cuesta de Mataró'' hill climb, in which the car became 2nd. They say that this result emerged a new type of customer. One more interested in sports cars. Which led to a couple of series of a new type 30. A shorter chassis but with a standard engine, firewall, and radiator.

In the 70s the remains of the car were acquired by Hispano-Suiza collector Mr. De la Rocha. After him, two other owners are known. Well-known historian and author Mr Emilio Polo in the Hispano-Suiza world came after investigations to the conclusion that the 4880E can only be the Rabassada, probably the most special Hispano-Suiza ever made. They say the only factory racing Hispano-Suiza still around…

In partnership with Coupe - Pueche. Words by the editor. Photographs by Pueche.

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