Description
Highlights of the car
Owned by one family for 72 years
One-off Torpedo with double cowling by Belvallette and Cie
Remarkably preserved in largely original condition, accompanied by fascinating documentation including the Bon de Commande
A very rare survivor with an ongoing history
Technical Specifications
2.327 CC 6-cylinder in-line engine with sleeve valve
Single Zenith carburettor
65 hp
4-speed manual gearbox. Mechanical drum brakes on 4 wheels
Front solid axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs
Live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs
PROVENANCE
Joseph Christe and Family, France (newly acquired in 1927)
Private collector (acquired from the above in 1999)
Current owner (acquired from the above)
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EXHIBITION
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance®, 2006
THIS CAR
On April 7, 1926, Gabriel Voisin announced: “Gentlemen, we have the privilege to inform you that we are launching the first French chassis equipped with a 6-cylinder Knight type sliding valve engine.” This innovative chassis would become Voisin's C11. With a top speed of 120 km/h (almost 75 mph), it became a popular model and around 950 examples would be built in the following years. This C11, chassis 25753, was commissioned by Joseph Christe, founder of the famous Técalémit Company of France, known for automotive pressure lubrication and an adjustable damper system fitted to elite cars of the period. Mr. Christe's engraved metal card, showing his name and address in Suresnes, just west of Paris, remains on the Voisin's dashboard.
Prestigious coachbuilder Belvallette and Cie were commissioned to design and build a striking four-door Torpédo with a coupe-ventilated style double V windscreen configuration, an aluminum hood, strapontins (jump seats) and commodious luggage arranged on both running boards. The exterior was finished in mid blue and dark chestnut leather was chosen to enhance the front and rear interior compartments. Marchal lights were fitted, the fuel gauge was mounted on top of the scuttle and the radiator features Voisin's signature riveted 'La Cocotte' mascot.
From 1927 to 1934, Mr. Christe used his beautiful Torpédo regularly, with some 42.000 km (or about 26.000 miles) on the car. From 1934 to 1950, 25753 was stored in the garages of his company, Técalémit, at 56 Rue Arago in Puteaux, outside Paris. From time to time, Georges Maurin, Mr. Christe's son-in-law, took the car for a short drive to keep it running properly. In 1970, the Torpédo was finally placed on blocks and under canopy at Mr. Christe's estate in the Sologne region in north-central France.
As a result, this exceptionally rare car can claim an extraordinary 72 years of continuous single-family ownership. The earliest history of these unique Avions Voisin is confirmed by its original handmade Bon de Commande, dated May 10, 1927.
In 1999, when the Christe family finally parted ways with the car, it was sold to a private collector, and its astonishing condition was recognized in 2006 when it was exhibited in the Prewar Preservation Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance®. The Voisin still presents itself in glorious, virtually unrestored condition. In addition to its sporty one-off bodywork and patinated condition, 25753 is one of the rarest survivors of a major European brand, and it will be a highly coveted addition to any refined collection.
