1938 Voisin C30

In 1907, Gabriel Voisin built the first practical aeroplane capable of leaving the ground under its own power. His Avions Voisin company in Issy les Moulineaux was the first mass producer of aircraft in the world, but as the market dried up after the Great War, his resources were diverted into motor car manufacture to provide employment for his workforce. Briefly experimenting with motorized bicycles and a light two-seater economy car, Voisin settled on building a luxurious automobile. His Voisin M1 arrived in 1919, equipped with a Knight Sleeve-Valve 4.0-liter engine developed for André Citroën from whom he had purchased the design. The model was re-designated 'C1' in 1920 in honor of Gabriel Voisin's deceased brother Charles.

Voisin automobiles would be powered exclusively by Sleeve Valve engines; models produced near the end of production, however, were powered by Graham 3.5 liter engines.

The company's aeronautical experience influenced its automobile designs, particularly in regard to the center of gravity's location, aerodynamics, and aerodynamics. Unconventional appearances, advanced technology, luxurious accouterments, and high prices made them exclusive; they were popular with the wealthy, celebrities, and royalty.

Avions Voisin Type C30
Voisin introduced its Type 30 in 1938 at the Paris Motor Show, the marque's final appearance at that event. It was the last Voisin model produced, and these stylish automobiles were built under license by Société des Automobiles Voisin following the closure of the Voisin factory in 1936. Offered in both coupe and cabriolet configuration, the Type 30 was powered by a 3.5 liter Graham-Paige engine with a centrifugal supercharger, and a Graham driveline.

The Knight-patent sleeve-valve engine had become too expensive to produce, so the company ultimately settled on the supercharged 6-cylinder Graham engine due to its smooth and quiet operation.

The C30 was just over sixteen feet long, and its chassis was suspended by the patented sliding system and hydraulic shock absorbers. Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes provided the stopping power, and a three-speed transmission transferred the 110 horsepower produced by the engine to the rear wheels.

Although the Voisin Type C30 was influenced by administrators who favored modern aesthetics, it retained Gabriel Voisin's preference for streamlined designs and the company's traditional lightweight and aerodynamic qualities. The Type 30, with its Graham engine, was renowned for its performance, safety, silent operation, and comfort. The top speed was in the neighborhood of 145 km/h (90 mph).

The company's restructuring had given it new momentum, but this was quickly brought to a halt due to the Second World War. Approximately thirty examples of the Type C30 were constructed.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2024