It’s not every day you get to see a car that so clearly typifies a period of time like this Voisin does for Art Deco. With an undeniably French flair, and a French name to boot, it might just be the chicest car we’ve ever seen. It basically belongs in a museum, which is true for many Voisins with their gorgeous lines, history and driving experience. But this one in particular is poised for another lifetime of adventures. Meet the 1935 Avions Voisin C25 Aérodyne.
In a few short weeks, Gooding & Company will offer this star Voisin at their Amelia Island Auctions from March 6 – March 7. Of course, you can also register to bid on it here, or comb through the rest of the auction catalogue if you can’t get enough.
In case you’re not familiar with the stylings and history of Voisin, we can give you a little crash course. Gabriel Voisin started his career in architecture and aviation, so when he broke into making cars, he didn’t think about them as needing to be designed and engineered for racing or to be showy, like other makes at the time. He really wanted his cars to be modern, safe, comfortable, reliable and efficient. Though that may seem like a given now, it was truly revolutionary at the time.
Because of this attention to detail, every Voisin was specifically tailored to passenger requirements from the chassis to suspension geometries, to the avant-garde coachwork. With the stunning portholes running down the sprint, the Hermès interior, and sumptuous colors, there’s no doubt that this car typified Art Deco opulence and innovation. That also means most Voisins are just a little bit distinct from one another, making each special in their own way.
Now, as for this particular model, the Aérodyne was an immediate hit at the 1934 Paris Salon de l’Automobile, where it debuted. Even though it’s beautiful, every single line on the car has a function, making it a true engineer’s car. The aerodynamic efficiency of the car so clearly stems from aircraft design.
Mechanics wise, the car teems with innovation. With a retractable roof, electromagnetic gearbox, the finest modern appointments to the dashboard, and full Art Deco-design elements, the model is a jewel box which was only available to the most discerning clients.
This chassis was notably owned by world-renowned collector Henry Browne de Kilmaine. M. de Kilmaine was a major figure in the collecting community, helping to organize the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Once the car was in his ownership, it became the centerpiece of various exhibitions curated around sharing the car. The car remained in his collection for 45 years.
After M. de Kilmaine passed, his collection was dispersed and the car underwent a needed restoration by the beloved Blakeney Motorsports Ltd. firm, which was highly documented. During this notable restoration, they were able to bring the mechanical systems back to operating condition – the sleeve-valve engine was completely rebuilt with new sleeves, pistons, and connecting rods. All at once, it was returned to its Art Deco-Age glory and was even awarded the Vitesse Elegance Trophy at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®.
Truly a kinetic sculpture, the Aérodyne is one of the greatest French cars ever made, with mechanical engineering to match the high caliber and a rich French provenance. A rare breed, of the eight C25 Aérodynes built in total, only three are believed to survive today.
The inimitable 1935 Avions Voisin C25 Aérodyne is going on sale soon at Gooding & Company’s Amelia Island Auctions. In the meantime, you can fall down the classic car rabbit hole with Gooding & Company’s online catalogue or register to bid if you’re missing a little Art Deco whimsy in your life.
