1926 WAS A TRANSFORMATIVE YEAR for Gabriel Voisin, a year in which he abandoned his grand prix, hill climb, and ornamental estate cars to focus his business on the production of exceptional road cars. Changed, too, was Voisin’s approach to the technical process of automobile manufacture; his new prime objectives being safety, reliability and comfort. In 1926 and 1927 Voisin introduced its C11 model with five different body styles and the option of a six-cylinder 14CV engine. The C11 marked Gabriel Voisin’s radical departure from aerodynamic styling. This particular car’s design, referenced as “Chasserons” in factory literature, is more commonly known as “Lumineuse” for its expansive use of glass and exceptionally bright cabin. The Lumineuse was groundbreaking for its virtual abandonment of wood in its construction and the use of a monocoque body; a method of construction in which the body surface provides rigidity without dependence on an internal frame. This advanced design was considered the very embodiment of Voisin’s new principles. Beyond Voisin, the Lumineuse benefitted from Gabriel’s collaboration with celebrated designer and modernist architect Charles Edouard Jeanneret, known as “Le Corbusier”, who designed the door handles and other hardware on some of these cars. This exceptionally original car was formerly owned by the Voisin authority Robert Cornière.
SPEC OVERVIEW: Coachbuilder: Voisin Chassis No. 27136 Production No.: 1 of 1,795 Produced Engine No. TBD Aluminum Inline Six-Cylinder Engine 66 BHP At 3,200 RPM 2,327 CC Crank-Driven Double-Sleeve Valving 3-Speed Manual Gearbox Solid front axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs and friction shock absorbers. Live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs, friction shock absorbers 4-Wheel Servo-Assisted Cable-Operated Drum Brakes
