Beschreibung
Unregistrerd
Chassis n° 28824
Engine n° 28890
- Exceptionally original condition
- 26 260 km from new
- Innovative car
The 1930 Voisin 13 CV was the final evolution of the C14, the marque's flagship model and an avant-garde motorcar that was popular with celebrities during the 1920s. It became fashionable to be seen behind the wheel of this car, and Joséphine Baker, Maurice Chevalier, Le Corbusier and even Man Ray enjoyed its driving style and the way it handled.
This Voisin C14 was built at the end of 1929, with a four-door aluminium " factory " body designed as part of the chassis, which was highly innovative at the time. Perfectly balanced and with excellent braking, this " in-house " chassis/ body combination was a hit with the clients. The C14 was powered by the 6-cylinder 2. 3-litre valveless engine, licenced by Knight, which was versatile and practically silent. It gave the car a respectable top speed of 115 km/ h it could maintain for several hours - a feat confirmed by ACF officials at Montlhéry. Fitted with all the equipment previously offered as optional, the car had a strengthened gearbox with three speeds plus reverse, and benefitted from an overdrive controlled from the steering wheel that didn't require use of the clutch. Starting up the engine was assisted by the Dynastart unit, combining a starter and a generator. The Dewandre servo-assisted brakes on all four wheels assured efficient braking.
Ahead of its time, the C14 had all the advanced mechanical features that Gabriel Voisin wanted on his cars. This resulted in a high price, and the C14 was some 30% more expensive than competing Delage and Delahaye models. Rare in its day, this exceptional automobile has become even rarer today.
The C14 on offer has a remarkable history and is presented today in totally original condition. It has never been repainted and retains an un-restored interior upholstered with the marque's favoured Art Deco fabric, in beautifully preserved condition. Discovered just after the second world war in a villa on the shores of Lake Como by Count 'Johnny' Lurani Cernuschi, the car was soon acquired by the famous Italian collector Mario Righini, who kept it with his other automotive gems. The current owner bought the car directly from Righini, known for his rare and highly original automobiles. This car has therefore hardly been driven and has been kept untouched and unrestored. It has two storage compartments in the front wings, and other elements more characteristic of the C23 model, which add to its superb appearance. Another important detail, the car is equipped with two twin Cozette carburettors, normally seen on the marque's 12-cylinder models. The car runs correctly and thanks to its low mileage, has well balanced handling, despite its age. Our example must be one of the most original still in existence, and offers the perfect entry ticket to the " preservation class " of all the best concours events. It will captivate any serious collector with an eye for highly original cars.
Photos © Dirk de Jager
Estimation 275 000 - 325 000 €
