The Hispano-Suizais, as its name suggests, a collaboration of Spanish and Swiss interests. Mark Birkigt, a Swiss engineer of some repute, was employed by a Spanish firm eager to establish itself in the progressive motor industry.
Alfonso XIII, the Spanish King at that time, was an ardent motorist and promoted voiturette racing in the various competitions he sponsored.
Birkigt's entry in the 1910 Catalan Cup formed the basis for a new winning road car which had a 3.6 litre engine and characteristic 'T-head valve arrangement'. It was catalogued as type 15T but called the Alfonso XIII in deference to Spain's motoring monarch, who promptly acquired a model.
In 1911, Hispano-Suiza took on a French nationality with the opening of a factory in Paris. It was here that the majority of these vehicles were produced.
The Alfonso XIII, now owned by the York Motor Museum, was manufactured in 1914 and transported to Australia in that year, to become the official vehicle for the Chief of the Victorian Fire Department. It has been in regular use for most of its life.