1935 Avions Voisin C28 ‘Chancellerie’

€600,000 - €800,000 EUR | Not Sold

  • Believed to be one of just 50 C28 chassis built from 1936 to 1937; less than 12 are known to have survived
  • A rare four-door Chancellerie limousine, with known history from December 1959
  • Powered by a straight six "sleeve valve engine mated to a Cotal electromagnetic gearbox
  • Restored at a cost of more than €300,000 from 2015 to 2019
  • Awarded a class win at the 2019 Chantilly Arts & Elegance
Addendum
Please note, contrary to the printed catalogue, this Voisin is a C28 ‘Chancellerie’ but has the identity of a C25 and is registered as such. Please speak to an RM Sotheby’s representative for further information.

Veuillez noter que, contrairement au catalogue imprimé, cette Voisin est une C28 'Chancellerie' mais possède l'identité d'une C25 et est enregistrée en tant que telle. Veuillez vous adresser à un représentant de RM Sotheby's pour de plus amples informations.

Avions Voisin introduced the C28 similar underpinnings to the earlier C25, representing an improvement with a new electromagnetic four-speed gearbox, yet retaining a similar exterior and interior. Produced from 1936 to 1937, just 50 C28s are believed to have been built, with fewer than 12 known to exist today.

While the pre-war history of this example is unknown, photographic evidence (on file) proves that this C28 Chancellerie was registered with the identity of a C25 on the chassis number “50020” but in the configuration and presenting visually as a C28, likely from at least December 1959. It is believed the identity transfer occurred earlier than this, possibly after the end of World War II for the purpose of having a Voisin title in order to keep the car on road.

Acquired by Janine Chevalerias on 14 December 1959, it would be a summer photoshoot that took place in the French countryside which first identifies this Avions Voisin as a C28 Chancellerie, and not a C25. An album accompanies the car and the contents show distinctive features of the C28, which is identifiable by its licence plates.

The car had two further owners until December 1964, when it was acquired by Gisèle Thomas, who retained it until late 1980. Thomas sold to Vice President of the Avions Voisin Club, Jean Paul Dubroca, who cherished this C28, among his many other vintage cars, until his passing.

The consignor acquired this Voisin from Dubroca’s daughter in the summer of 2015. At this point, the car was painted in grey over burgundy with a grey cloth interior, and the decision was taken to have this C28 Chancellerie restored back to its former glory. Sent to Carrosserie Tessier, from 2015 to 2019 every facet of this Voisin was restored. Invoices and photographs on file highlight the extensive nature of the work, and amount to more than €300,000—nearly €100,000 of which was spent on a complete rebuild of the engine.

Following the restoration, this C28 was exhibited at the 2019 Chantilly Arts & Elegance, where it won its class. Today, the car’s beautiful Voisin coachwork is finished in black, over a tan leather interior trimmed with biscuit-coloured carpet. This Avions Voisin C28 Chancellerie presents a rare opportunity to acquire one of Gabriel Voisin’s finest automotive designs. Benefitting from a painstaking restoration, combined with considerable rarity, this pre-war masterpiece is highly eligible for international concours events.