1927 Voisin C11 Torpedo

Over the production lifespan of the Voisin C11, approximately 950 examples were built. They were fitted with a six-cylinder Knight-type sleeve valve engine and backed by a four-speed manual gearbox. Mechanical drum brakes were located at all four corners.

This particular example was commissioned by Joseph Christe, founder of the famous Técalémit Company of France. Mr. Christe's engraved metal card, bearing his name and address in Suresnes, just west of Paris, remains affixed to the Voisin's dashboard. It wears coachwork by Belvallette & Cie in a four-door Torpedo configuration with a twin V-windshield in the coupe-vent style. There is an aluminum bonnet, strapontins (jump seats), and fitted luggage mounted on both running boards. The exterior was finished in medium blue, and dark chestnut leather was fitted for the front and rear compartments. Marchal lights were fitted, the fuel gauge was mounted atop the scuttle, and the radiator features Voisin's distinctive, riveted 'La Cocotte' mascot.

Between 1927 and 1934, Mr. Christe accrued some 42,000 km on the car. From 1934 through 1950, it was stored in the garages of his company outside of Paris. During this time, Georges Maurin, Mr. Christe's son-in-law, would exercise the car on brief drives in order to keep it operating properly. In 1970, the car was put on blocks and undercover in Mr. Christe's country property near central France. It would be in continuous single-family ownership for 72 years.

In 1999, the Christe family sold the car to a private collector. In 2006 it was shown in the Prewar Preservation Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The current caretaker acquired the car in 2017.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2019

This 1927 Voisin C-11 has a Torpedo body style and coachwork by Letourneur et Marchand. There are exterior trunks, located on the side of the vehicle, which help with the distribution of weight throughout the vehicle. There are four-doors and plenty of seating for over four passengers. The passengers sit in between the front and rear axle, which also aids in the distribution of weight.

This example was shown at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where Voisin was the celebrated marque.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2007