Wooden-bodied race car takes top honors at premier vintage racing event
The 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo, fondly known as the "Tulipwood" Torpedo, has made a stunning comeback after winning the prestigious Best of Show award at the 74th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2025. This historic event, held in Monterey, California, saw the Hispano-Suiza triumph against 229 competing cars from 22 countries.
This unique racing car, with its handmade mahogany body, stands out for its sleek torpedo design and advanced mechanics. The car's body is made of individually cut mahogany wood strips held together with a staggering 8,500 rivets, a testament to the craftsmanship of its time. The lightweight body was built by French aircraft manufacturer Nieuport-Astra, lending an aero-inspired touch to the vehicle.
The Hispano-Suiza's racing history is closely tied to André Dubonnet, a notable figure who raced the car in prestigious events such as the Targa Florio and Coppa Florio in the 1920s. After a restoration by collectors Penny and Lee Anderson Sr. of Naples, Florida, the car was returned to its original torpedo design, showcasing its elegant and streamlined wooden body.
The restoration process removed later additions like pontoon fenders, highlighting the car's exceptional wood craftsmanship. Lee Anderson, who has a background in collecting antique wooden boats, was particularly drawn to the car's unique features.
The 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo impressed judges with its combination of technical sophistication and stunning handcrafted wooden bodywork. The car also participated in the 70-mile Tour d’Elegance before judging, further showcasing its racing legacy and artisan design.
The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2025 was not just a celebration of the Hispano-Suiza. The event also featured Formula 1 racing cars from various decades, including Michael Schumacher's and Niki Lauda's iconic vehicles. Unusual entries included a 1960s Bugatti convertible designed by Virgil Exner, adding a touch of modern flair to the classic event.
However, the top prize went to a 90-year-old Bugatti racing car, which did not have any unusual features like a bull's head on the hood or a design by Virgil Exner. Unlike the Hispano-Suiza, this Bugatti was not a classic car with a wooden body. Instead, it was preserved in its original condition without expensive restoration, making its victory all the more impressive.
The 90-year-old Bugatti racing car was not part of a collection worldwide before the Concours d'Elegance, adding to its rarity and appeal. Despite not having a racing history like the Hispano-Suiza, the Bugatti captivated the audience with its timeless design and historical significance.
In summary, the 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo is historically significant for its connection to André Dubonnet, its unique handmade mahogany "tulipwood" body, its restoration for historical accuracy, its advanced mechanics, elegant aerodynamics, and exceptional wood craftsmanship, and its victory at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2025. The event also showcased a variety of classic and modern racing cars, with a 90-year-old Bugatti racing car taking the top prize.
Sports and racing enthusiasts were thrilled by the comeback of the 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2025, a significant auto-racing event. Known for its sleek design and advanced mechanics, this unique vehicle was admired for its sports-analysis-worthy fusion of technical sophistication and stunning handcrafted wooden bodywork.
