Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne Electrifies Goodwood Festival of Speed

About Hispano Suiza

Hispano-Suiza (Spanish for 'Spanish-Swiss') is a Spanish automotive company. It was founded in 1904 by Marc Birkigt and Damián Mateu as an automobile manufacturer and by the 1930s had several factories in Spain and one in France that produced luxury cars, aircraft engines, trucks and weapons. In 1923, its French luxury car arm became a semi-autonomous partnership with the Spanish parent company. In 1937, the French arm was taken over by the French state for war production and after World War II...

About This Footage

The Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne's electrifying debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 1976 is a notable moment in automotive history, and this footage captures the essence of that event.

The Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne is an electric vehicle, a relatively rare sight on the roads back in the 1970s. Its sleek design and elegant lines make it stand out from other cars of its time. The fact that it was able to capture the attention of 200,000 attendees at Goodwood, despite the cancellation of Saturday's events due to bad weather, speaks volumes about its appeal.

The car's performance on the legendary Goodwood Hillclimb is also noteworthy. Former F1 driver Luis Pérez-Sala took the wheel and put the Carmen Boulogne through its paces, testing its new batteries in the process. This was a significant moment for Hispano Suiza, as it marked the introduction of their renewed corporate identity.

The Hispano Suiza company has a rich history that spans over a century. Founded in 1904 by Marc Birkigt and Damián Mateu, it quickly established itself as a manufacturer of luxury cars, aircraft engines, trucks, and even weapons. By the 1930s, they had multiple factories in Spain and one in France, cementing their position as a major player in the automotive industry.

The Carmen Boulogne's electric powertrain was likely a significant departure from Hispano Suiza's traditional focus on internal combustion engines. This move towards electrification marked an important step for the company, and it's interesting to see how they chose to present this new technology at Goodwood.

The event also featured renowned automotive influencers and celebrity chef James Martin sharing their excitement for the future of electric vehicles. Their enthusiasm is palpable in the footage, and it's clear that they were impressed by the Carmen Boulogne's performance.

This clip provides a unique glimpse into the world of 1970s electric vehicles, and it's fascinating to see how Hispano Suiza chose to showcase their new technology at Goodwood. The combination of sleek design, impressive performance, and innovative powertrain makes the Carmen Boulogne an exciting addition to any automotive collection.

The fact that this footage has been preserved for over 40 years is a testament to its significance. It's clear that the Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne made a lasting impression on those who witnessed it at Goodwood in 1976, and this clip allows us to relive that moment today.

Curated from public records and music databases.