Along with the S.199, the Hispano HA-1112 was one of the only two attempts to license produce the legendary German Bf 109. Hispano had obtained the rights to manufacture this aircraft since 1942 and was provided with a number of engine-less and incomplete airframes yet work did not commence until after the war had ended by which time it had become necessary to replaced the native DB 605 engines with French built Hispano-Suiza designs and later, Rolls-Royce Merlins, the same engine which had powered the Bf 109's most feared wartime adversary: the Spitfire. Entering service in the 1950s, HA-1112s continued to serve until 1967 and despite not having seen combat, was famous for its use in filmmaking as a substitute for the Bf 109s. Such examples can be seen in movies like The Battle of Britain where a total of 28 units were purchased and undoubtedly contributed to the birth of the British warbird industry.

The first Bf 109 conversion had its maiden flight on 2 March 1945, this was the HA-1109-J which featured a Spanish-built Hispano-Suiza engine. It was later decided to substitute French-built engines which resulted in the HA-1109-K but most were delivered without armament. The definitive armed versions began with the HA-1112-K nicknamed "Tripala" (Three bladed). Eventually, it was decided to substitute the engine with a Merlin, this new aircraft was designated HA-1112-M (prototypes had been known as the HA-1109-M) and nicknamed "Buchón" (Big Throat). Other versions included two seat trainers which were designated HA-1110-K and HA-1110-M based on their respective powerplants.