Transitioning from aviation to automobiles, engineer Gabriel Voisin designed the 1927 Avions Voisin C7 Chastness that featured a body nicknamed “lumineuse” for its openness to light. In true Voisin fashion, the car's top is narrower and follows the philosophy that "you need less room for your head than for your arms," just like in an airplane.
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 "coquette" serves 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.
The 1,551 c.c. four-cylinder sleeve-valve engine provides a maximum speed of 68 mph and powers the vehicle through a three-speed gearbox with a two-speed final drive overdrive. The car has a dynastart combination starter, offers six forward and two reverse speeds, and has servo-assisted brakes.
This particular car serves as a testament to the so-called Lumineuse body style. The interior fabric's pattern adheres to the typical Voisin design and puts a nice final touch on the aesthetic appeal of this remarkable automobile. Produced from 1924 - 1928, a total of 1,350 units of the Voisin C7 were made, and this one is the last known to exist.
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