1935 Voisin C28 Clairière

The first Clairière model produced by Voisin, appearing in 1935, was powered by the C25 engine which had six cylinders, displaced 3-liters, and featured the Knight patented sleeve-valve technology. It was based on the C24 powerplant. The C28 model soon followed, which had the same body, but fitted with a larger and more powerful version of the engine, now displacing 3.3-liters, and fitted with a Cotal 4-speed electric transmission. In 1935, Voisin now used Lockheed hydraulic brakes, which the C28 Clairière models were given.

Continuing the aircraft principles of the company's history, the Voisin cars were clothed in lightweight aluminum and given aerodynamic features. The exterior aluminum panels were attached to multiple wooden ribs.

The Clairière would be built atop the C25, C26, C27, C28, and C30 chassis accounting for a total of 30 vehicles built. The most powerful version from this group was the C28, which produced just over 100 horsepower.

There are only two 3.3-liter C28 models still in existence. This car is chassis number CG 28917 and was offered for sale at the 2008 'Quail Lodge, A Sale of Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia' presented by Bonham's Auction. The other car is in the Schlumpf Museum.

The C-28 model offered at Bonhams auction was originally delivered to the French Embassy in Berlin, when new. It was assigned to Mr. Le Feule until 1938, who used it on a number of occasions while traveling the German autobahns. After the Second World War, the car was returned to France where it came into the possession of Gabriel Voisin. By the 1960s, the car was in the care of Serge Pozzoli. It was later sold to two major French collectors in the 1980s.

In 2001, the car won its Louis Vuitton Concours class in Bagatelle. It has been used on several car rallies in Europe and was shown in a major design exhibition in Italy for a six-month period.

At the auction, the car was estimated to sell for $900,000 - $1,400,000 but was unable to find a buyer willing to satisfy the car's reserve. It left the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2008