1938-Voisin-C30 Cabriolet

Description

1938 Voisin C30 Cabriolet by Dubos
s/n 60007
Two Tone Periwinkle and Dark Blue with Brown Interior

The result of Gabriel Voisin`s preoccupation with quality and engineering, the cars produced by Avions Voisin set themselves apart with their luxurious appointments, high build quality, and unusual appearance. Monsieur Voisin made his fortune during World War I building aircraft, and subsequently brought an awareness of aerodynamics that was very ahead of its time to his automobiles. He experimented constantly with materials and engineered solutions. Be it and underslung chassis, an inline-12, hydraulic brakes whose lines ran inside hollow axles, or an oil pump actuated run by a one foot propeller turned by wind velocity, the cars were, at times, downright bizarre. They worked however, with many speed records and a unique place among automobile manufacturer history. Indeed, only a Voisin could make a Bugatti look conventional.

Introduced in 1937, the C30 was Voisin`s last automobile. Estimates range from between 30 and 60 examples constructed in total, and regardless, the cars are very rare today, with an estimates as low as 5 examples remaining. They were powered by supercharged six cylinder Graham engines employing poppet instead of sleeve valves, but that still permitted the nearly silent operation on which Monsieur Voisin insisted. This particular car was the only cabriolet example produced and features a body by Dubos. It was displayed along with a coupe on the Paris Salon Voisin stand in 1938.

During the Second World War, this car was requisitioned by the Germans, and was then acquired by a series of collectors after the war. It sat unused for many years, but was eventually restored around 1990, and then used in several rallies in Europe and the United States.

At the present, the car is in very good older restored condition. There is a uniform patina throughout, which adds an honest feel and encourages one to use and enjoy the car. The paintwork was done to high standards and shows a few signs of wear and aging, but nothing egregious and nothing that detracts significantly from the car`s strong overall cosmetic impression. There is a large chip in the finish on one of the wheels adjacent to the hubcap, likely from an overenthusiastic hubcap removal attempt. The chrome is very good, with light surface wear, and light pitting. The glass and lamps are excellent, including all four Marchal lamps.

The interior is also in nice condition with even patina. The seats are in lovely shape, as are the carpets, aside from a few stains. The dashboard, instruments, and switches are in excellent order, including the full complement of French language Jaeger gauges. The wood on the dashboard is excellent, while the wood on the door panels shows a few cracks. The top is intact and in good shape, but thanks to its white color, it does display some soiling.

The trunk and engine compartment were also restored. The spare is present, along with the very unusual trunk prop arrangement. The engine compartment looks very correct and period, with neat details such as the fabric radiator cover. The engine is placed very low in the chassis, and the correct fabric wiring insulation is present throughout.

The car drives extremely well with smooth power delivery, effective brakes, and good visibility. The chassis has a taut and responsive feel despite the cars large size. The transmission and driveline both function as they were designed to. The cumulative experience in that of a high quality, well built, and well sorted pre-war automobile.

This is quite literally a unique opportunity acquire one of the very last Voisins built. The only cabriolet example built and one of perhaps five in existence, this is a truly unrepeatable find. Representing the craftsmanship, luxurious appointments, innovative engineering solutions, and individualist aesthetic for which Voisin is famous, this car will appeal to the connoisseur seeking something different.