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The Secret History of the Storks of Hispano-Suiza

Discover the little-known story that marked this prestigious Spanish car brand and its exceptional models.

Did You Know? Anecdotes and Curiosities about our Miniatures

What is the origin of the name Hispano-Suiza?

Hispano-Suiza literally means 'Hispano-Swiss' in Spanish. This luxury car brand was founded in 1904 by Marc Birkigt, a Swiss engineer, and Damián Mateu, a Spanish entrepreneur, hence the French-Spanish combination in the name.

Why did Hispano-Suiza use a stork as its emblem?

The Hispano-Suiza stork pays homage to the Escadrille des Cigognes, an elite French aviation unit during the First World War. The pilots of this squadron used Hispano-Suiza engines in their fighter planes, and the brand adopted this emblem in 1919 to celebrate this prestigious collaboration.

What is the link between Hispano-Suiza and the aeronautics industry?

Hispano-Suiza was as famous for its aircraft engines as it was for its automobiles. The company produced high-performance aircraft engines, including the famous V8 engine that powered many Allied fighters during World War I, making Hispano-Suiza a major player in military aviation.

Which celebrities owned Hispano-Suizas?

Hispano-Suiza was the brand of choice for many prestigious figures, including King Alfonso XIII of Spain, André Citroën, Pablo Picasso, and even Al Capone. This elite clientele was a testament to the brand's ultra-luxurious status in the 1920s and 1930s.

Why did Hispano-Suiza stop car production?

Hispano-Suiza stopped automobile production in 1938 to focus exclusively on aeronautics and armaments. The economic crisis of the 1930s and the growing demand for aircraft engines during the pre-war period forced the company to abandon the automotive sector, despite the prestige of its cars.