I have been captivated by this car since first seeing it in 1974.
Its creator Andre Dubonnet (heir to the famous drinks empire) survived WWI as a fighter ace. He flew the legendary SPAD XIII, built by Nieuport and powered by an Hispano Suiza Vee 12 engine. After the war he focused his wealth, youth and enthusiasm on racing cars - but what should he race? Relying on what had faithfully served him in the Great War, he contacted Hispano Suiza to provide the engine & chassis and Nieuport to build a strong but lightweight body - from WOOD! This was accomplished in Mahogany - frequently referred to as Tulip wood.
This unique car was completed specifically for the 1924 Targa Florio an 400 Kilometre race - one of the greatest races in the 20’s, which took place annually in Sicily. Setting off from his home in France he drove the car down through Italy and into Sicily. He finished sixth, ironically beaten by a Mercedes (which is the basis of “Henry”), afterwards he merely replaced the wings, changed the tyres, filled the tank and set off back for France - Lewis Hamilton doesn’t know he’s born! Local reports confirmed he was seen eating in a Milan restaurant less than 60 minutes behind the express train carrying the other competitors and their cars (Obviously not as robust as the Hispano!). Remember this was 1924 before such things as Autostrada’s.
In 1925 he sold it to an Englishman who brought it back to blighty, where it passed through a succession of owners until the 1970’s when it was purchased by the Blackhawk museum in California, where it resides today.
And what of Andre Dubonnet? After a very full life, which included 4 wives, numerous car patents, a 1938 supercar called the Xenia, he died of cancer in 1980. Although by then almost penniless, he was still actively trying to develop his final passion - solar power.
In 2007 I began the construction of how the original would have looked in 1924 (excl wire wheels - too expensive!). Originally a 5 year project.... until my daughter asked for it to be her wedding car... in 15 months! I hope you enjoy looking at “HENRY” (as he is known) as much as we did building it.
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FLOSSY at full stretch in the paddocks
