Franklin Mint 1925 Hispano-Suiza

Upon viewing the shipping invoice that contained this model I wasn't in a hurry to open its box; I thought it would be just another ho-hum repaint, but I did with much apprehension. What a surprise I received when I lifted the 1925 Hispano-Suiza out of its Styrofoam home. To say it caught me off guard would have been an understatement; it did. The model is absolutely stunning, the color combination is perfect, and I might add applied flawlessly. This Franklin Mint model captured my attention, and I was anxious to explore it in greater detail and I did. I will now share my impressions of this model with you.

Although this make's name translates as 'Spain-Switzerland' no car of this name was ever produced in Switzerland. The special name was created by engineer Marc Birkigt, who emigrated in 1899 at the age of twenty-one from Geneva to Barcelona. In 1904, together with J. Castro, he founded the 'Hispano-Suiza de Automobiles'.

In 1906, the young company introduced two new models. These cars were beautifully finished and particularly popular with the 'upper ten'.

Hispano-Suiza exported a lot of cars, particularly to France. In order to avoid the steep import duty, in 1911 Birkigt relocated part of his production facilities to Levallois on the Seine. This factory went on to produce one of the make's most beautiful creations. The H6 from 1919 could compete on even terms with a Rolls-Royce, Isotta Fraschini or Mercedes-Benz. The most beautiful model produced at the factory in France was the H6B. The model was equipped with a 6597 cc engine that delivered 135 bhp.

I found the hood ornament to be rather odd since I don't know what the 'flying ostrich' was meant to symbolize. Located directly underneath the hood ornament are the Spanish and Swiss flags, which I assume were meant to symbolize where the name of this model originated.

Speaking for myself I am a sucker for old classics and this one was no exception. I love big chrome headlights and rounded fenders and this one met my criteria. What really captured my attention was its overall appearance; it had what I will describe as a cocky attitude. What I mean by that is it just made you stop and take notice, and I did.

Allow me to clarify the dark spots located in the center of each headlamp; they serve a purpose, and that purpose was to direct the most light to the roadway. Since these dark spots were apparent on previous Franklin Mint models as a build technique most assumed they were part of the build. Let me assure you this is not the case on this replica; they belong there.

The tires and wheels have been retooled for this updated replica, and they look fantastic, The burgundy trim compliments the interior very well. The chrome was applied perfectly, containing no jagged edges and flowing smoothly with the curves of the body, as it should. Also, it is very rich in appearance and complements the lines of this replica without a fault.

The 'dickey seat' opened and closed smoothly only aiding in my confusion on how to display this model. I know I will receive emails asking if it "popped my cork" and the answer to that is a resounding yes.

The top is stationary, so don’t think you can display it with the top down; you won’t. The interior is exciting with the exception of the dash. Personally, I like a 3D look when it comes to gauges and this one lacked it. By not adding dept of field to the dash graphic it lacked realism, and I believe on a model of this caliber with today’s technology that shouldn’t be. All it requires is a better printing process to achieve the debt of field perception. I hope to see a higher quality dash in future models.

The engine compartment was sparse with not much detail but then again this was 1925 and there wasn’t a lot of parts in there in the first place. Overall I found the engine compartment to be acceptable even if it wasn’t that exciting to me.

What endeared me to this model was its ’Stance’ it just displays with an attitude, and that attitude says, "Look at me". If you attempt to look away you’re afraid it’s going to smack you; it just pulls you back with intimidation. I am placing four and one­half stars on this model and that is only because it is a repaint otherwise it would garnish five stars.It has been a long time since a Franklin Mint model got me this excited but this one did. The Franklin Mint 1925 Hispano-Suiza has it all, style, stance, attractiveness and most importantly ’bling’. If you like the Classic’s from the past you will love this one from the Franklin Mint.

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