Produced by Hispano-Suiza at its original Barcelona factory, the 16 HP offered here is the highly sought-after Rabassada variant—built on a shortened chassis with a 60 horsepower four-cylinder engine and, of course, handsome and sporting two-seater bodywork. This model was produced in honour of an identical car developed at the behest of Hispano-Suiza president Damián Mateu for the 3-litre racing class and tested in the Rabassada Hill Climb in the Serra de Collserola mountains.

The car offered here is believed to be the sole surviving 16 HP Rabassada. It is known to have been acquired in the 1960s by William J Markley of Michigan and restored in his ownership. It was later acquired from Mr Markley in the late 1980s by prominent collector Terence E Adderley, in whose collection it was a stalwart for over 30 years. It still wears the hallmarks of its earliest restoration, with original stampings visible on the engine and on the serial number plate on the dashboard.

An exceptionally scarce Spanish-market Hispano-Suiza, this car would be a wonderful, sporting counterpoint to the H6 or J12 in any collection or simply entertaining to enjoy in its own right. It has considerable charm that is sure to appeal to any enthusiast.