Founded in 1905 by Gabriel Voisin, Avions Voisin was led by an aviation engineer and a graduate of the National School of Fine Arts in Lyon. Combining his technical expertise and creative background, Voisin transitioned to automobile manufacturing in 1919, creating vehicles that seamlessly blended engineering excellence with unique and striking designs, employing a significant amount of aluminum and other alloys in their bodies.
Manufactured from 1926 to 1932, the Avions Voisin C14 came in a range of body styles and became one of the company’s most popular offerings, with estimates suggesting between 1700 and 4000 chassis were produced. The C14 models were equipped with a 2.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine.
In the early 1930s, the ‘Chartre’ body style epitomized the pinnacle of Gabriel Voisin’s Art Deco-inspired designs. These bodies featured a low-slung profile with sharp, distinctive angles, while the interiors boasted vibrant block colors and lively patterns adorning the upholstery fabrics. Despite its substantial size, the C14 ‘Chartres’ featured only two doors and an overhung roof, giving it an imposing yet graceful presence.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
