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In the '20s, everyone was enamoured with airplanes and flying. So, it made sense that an aircraft engine manufacturer, Hispano-Suiza, would put one of its powerful engines in a racecar. Built to compete in one race only, this unique car is something to behold. Most of the body is made of tulipwood, to keep weight down. Pontoon fenders for road use, also in tulipwood, were fabricated later by a boat builder. No wonder the designers at FM wanted to take a crack at this innovative vehicle.
Like the car, the model is made of wood and the finish is beautifully done. Other details are excellent, with lots of nice touches. The wire wheels are rendered in copper-finish, as is the underbody, side-mounted muffler and front suspension cover. The headlights have screen guards and there is a piece of simulated flex-pipe snaking out from under the hood. The engine and compartment are nicely done. No wires are evident, but that might have been the case on the real car. The dash has ho-hum decals for gauges. Hood louvers are also decals.
My main gripe is, for the hefty $195.00 price tag, some small details could have been done better. Hood louvers could have been cut, with screens. The compartment behind the driver's could have been cut out, with a cover. The seats could have been done in leather. Those minor problems aside, however, this model looks great in any collection and is a fine example of a truly one-of-a-kind racer. The issue price is $195.
For images of the 1:1 car, click here:http://www.cal
iforniaclassix.com/cars/34_Hispano.html
(08/04/1998)
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