1928 Voisin Model KE

Gabriel Voisin established an aircraft manufacturing company in 1905, dubbed Aéroplanes Voisin. While this enterprise experienced initial success, a decline in the market compelled the company to seek alternative opportunities, redirecting its resources toward the production of motor vehicles. The company quickly established a reputation for quality construction, luxurious accouterments, and aerodynamically-inspired designs. Approximately 10,000 Avions-Voisins were eventually built, with the best-selling of the 34 models being the C11, with 2,180 units built.

The Type KE was based on the highly successful C11 chassis and powered by a six-cylinder Knight-type sleeve valve engine displacing 2,327cc and delivering 65 horsepower. The chassis was suspended by semi-elliptic leaf springs, braking was via drums, and the transmission was a three-speed unit.

Gabriel favored the Knight-patent sleeve-valve engine for its smooth and quiet operation. Exterior and interior designs were often influenced by the company's heritage and Gabriel's tastes, with wild patterns, exposed mechanical components, and unique styling elements.

This particular example, with a French Racing Blue exterior and red leather interior, rides on black Rudge-Whitworth wire wheels. It has a custom radiator that followed Avions Voisin's stock design, but was flat rather than vee'd, similar to the vee'd and raked windshield. The styling is simplistic and devoid of extravagant lines and heavy chrome trim often found on traditional Voisin automobiles. It is devoid of the notable radiator mascot; instead, it has a more simplistic radiator cap.

This vehicle, chassis KE 27188, has been given a restoration and is equipped with the C11 engine.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2024