Transitioning from aviation to automobiles, Gabriel Voisin designed the 1927 Avions Voisin C7 Chastness, featuring a body nicknamed “lumineuse” for its openness to light. In true Voisin fashion, the car's top is narrower, following the philosophy that "you need less room for your head than for your arms."
Every detail reflects vintage Voisin craftsmanship, from the intricacies of the locks on the doors to the design of the windshield and the three trunks — two in the front and one at the back — meticulously arranged to balance the weight of the luggage. The mascot on the radiator cap, fondly referred to by Voisin as the "cocotte," holds significance, serving as a playful symbol resembling a hen to children or an exquisite "chick" to adults.
Renowned architect Le Corbusier himself drove a Voisin C7, akin to the one showcased in our collection, and prominently featured Voisins in his architectural sketches. A total of 1,300 units of this car model were produced. The 1,551 c.c. four-cylinder sleeve-valve engine powers the vehicle through a three-speed gearbox with a two-speed overdrive, offering 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds and enabling a maximum speed of 65 mph. The comprehensive specification encompasses servo-assisted brakes.
This particular car serves as an exemplar of the so-called Lumineuse body style. The interior fabric's pattern adheres to the typical Voisin design, completing the aesthetic appeal of this remarkable automobile.
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