Wooden-bodied race car emerges victorious at prestigious vintage auto event
The 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo, famously known as the “Tulipwood” Torpedo, made a remarkable comeback at the 74th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2025, taking home the prestigious title of Best of Show.
This automobile, commissioned by André Dubonnet, a notable figure in the racing world, boasts an aero-inspired design and a distinctive torpedo shape, albeit slightly obscured by pontoon fenders. The current owners, Penny and Lee Anderson Sr., have meticulously preserved the car's original flowing lines1.
The bodywork of the Hispano-Suiza is truly exceptional, crafted entirely of mahogany wood, hand-carved, and riveted. This unique construction contributes to the car's lightness and elegance, making it a standout among 229 entries from 22 countries at the 2025 event1.
The Tulipwood Torpedo's racing history is noteworthy, with Dubonnet competing in the Targa Florio and Coppa Florio endurance races in the car's early years1. The vehicle also participated in two events in Italy the year it was built1.
The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is a premier event, raising over $4 million for youth education charities in Monterey County. Cars participating in the event undergo a scenic 70-mile Tour d’Elegance before judging, adding to the celebratory atmosphere around the automotive heritage featured that year1.
The 2025 event also showcased Formula 1 racing cars, including some driven by legendary drivers such as Michael Schumacher and Niki Lauda1. Other unusual entries included a 1960s Bugatti convertible designed by Virgil Exner1.
Interestingly, the Bugatti racing car that won in 2024 was a 90-year-old vehicle that had not undergone an expensive restoration, making it an exception to the usual restored entries at the event1.
In summary, the 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo "Tulipwood" Torpedo is notable for its unique wooden bodywork, racing provenance under André Dubonnet, and recognition as the 2025 Pebble Beach Best of Show winner, reflecting both historical significance and exquisite craftsmanship.
- The Tulipwood Torpedo's racing pedigree extends to auto-racing events like the Targa Florio and Coppa Florio, showcasing its grand-prix capabilities.
- Despite the abundance of modern Formula 1 racing cars at the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the vintage auto-racing charms of Hispano-Suiza stood out, earning praise in sports-analysis discussions.
- With its distinctive design and racing history, the 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo continues to captivate spectators in sports and racing circles, symbolizing the unmatched allure of grand-prix auto-racing.
