1912 HISPANO-SUIZA 15/45 ALFONSO Xlll

This regular section is going to be devoted to old cars chosen at random based solely on what I like (and occasionally what I don't like if it's delightfully ugly). There'll be an explanation of what it is and some pretty photos of the chosen vehicle, including its badge if I can find it....

The first offering is a 1912 Hispano-Suiza Alfonso X1I1, so named because the Spanish King of this Spanish motor car company was a devoted follower of the firm and owned a number of its cars. The firm, which operated in Spain, France and Switzerland, was one of the marquee names of its era, with a loyal following of the rich and the famous of the times.

This particular car, originally purchased by a pair of French test pilots and aviation pioneers,  boasts a four cylinder 45 horsepower engine capable of up to 75 miles per hour, making it one of the faster cars on the road in the days before the World War.

And like most European cars of that era, definitely eye candy worthy of being seen driving this still very drivable 100 year old machine.