Avions Voisin faced severe financial challenges during the early 1930s – but Gabriel Voisin courageously launched the revolutionary C-25 Aerodyne at the 1934 Paris Salon. It was his ‘car of the future’ – playing to the public’s growing interest in streamlining. One of the Aerodyne’s most unusual features was its sliding roof with a row of portholes along it to allow the driver to see behind even when it was drawn back. When new, the car cost more than a Bugatti Type 57. Unsurprisingly, therefore, only six cars were built, with four believed to survive.
It was powered by a 2,994 cc Knight Sleeve-Valve inline 6-cylinder engine with two Zenith-Stromberg carburettors, and produced 90 bhp at 3,500 rpm. Transmission was through a 2-speed gearbox with electromagnetic overdrive, and the 4-wheel drum brakes were assisted by a Dewandre vacuum system. Suspension was by live axle at the rear and rigid axle at the front, with semi-elliptical leaf springs all round.
This example is Chassis No. 50010, viewed at the 2019 Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace.
Photo courtesy of Peter McFadyen. See his website: http://petermcfadyen.co.uk
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