1931 Voisin C14 Chartre

The Art Deco Voisin Chartre was produced from 1931 through 1932. The name 'Chartre' was the name it was given, coming from its factory code designation. The design was courtesy of the legendary designer Andre Lefèbvre, who penned the bodywork for both six-cylinder and slightly larger 12-cylinder versions.

The production of the C14 was produced from late 1927 through 1932 with 1,795 examples produced. Power was from a 2.4-liter six-cylinder patented Knight-type sleeve-valve engine which allowed the car to operate in relative silence. Compared to the modern multi-valve engine, the valving permitted great intake transfer. It could take higher compression ratios than poppet-valve contemporaries of the period.

The C-14 had a conventional transmission in conjunction with a Voisin-developed transfer box system, effectively allowing both a low- and high-speed range for each forward gear. It was controlled by Cotal electric relays which were operated via switches on the steering column. Other impressive luxury features of the time included power-assisted braking and Voisin worm-gear steering.

This elegant C14, which was on display at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, was discovered in 1967. It was not in use when it was found. It was in the possession of an elderly lady who had owned it for many years. It was purchased by a family that held onto it until around 2000. During that ownership, the car was given a restoration, bringing it back to its former glory. The interior was re-upholstered in fabrics identical, both in structure and colors, to the original Paul Poiret fabrics found in the car.

This vehicle is one of two C14 Chartre models known to still exist. The other car is kept in a Swiss foundation. One 12-cylinder example survives.

In 2008, this car was offered for sale at the 'Quail Lodge, A Sale of Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia' presented by Bonhams Auction. The lot was sold for $667,000 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2008