Unique Voisin C-27 Aerosport At Hampton Court Concours Of Elegance

1934 Voisin C-27 Coupe - Unique Voisin C-27 Aerosport At Hampton Court Concours Of Elegance

A unique art deco 1937 Voisin C-27 Aérosport will be starring at the Hampton Court concours of Elegance 2021. The car will be on display for the first time in the UK and is expected to attract a great deal of attention. It’s been a while since I have seen this car and believe me it’s worth it if you can. Of course, this was at Retromobile many years ago and it drew quite the crowd.

Voisin were a famous French aircraft manufacturer who pioneered aerodynamics and lightweight construction. They probably achieved as much for aeronautics as the Wright Brothers.

Gabriel Voisin was the man behind the C-27 Aérosport, he produced one of the most sophisticated and beautiful cars of its day. At the turn of the 20th century Voisin designed the first plane to fly more than 1km under official observation. He designed another that was the first to travel from one planned point to another some 17 miles away, going from Buoy to Reims in 1908.

After World War 1 Voisin turned to making automobiles, drawing on the expertise from designing aircraft. Some of the world’s most technically advanced and beautiful cars of the time came from Voisin. Special lightweight bodies were built in house which was unusual for the time. Sadly, the use of aluminium for these bodies led to many being scrapped during World War II due to shortages of the metal. Out of the 11000 Voisin automobiles built only around 150 survive. 

The C-27 features one of these aluminium bodies and has a low swooping roofline with intricate pentagon windows. The power roof slides open with the flick of a switch using a complex mechanism, with its own separate engine, before settling down in the passenger compartment.

Inside the car the interior is striking, with the fabric finished in a black and white geometric pattern. That really has to be seen to be believed.

Under the bonnet was one of Voisin’s 3 litre engine with knight sleeve-valves where the engine used moving sleeves around the pistons rather than traditional valves. This creates a smoother and quieter ride for the occupants. Though it would burn more oil than a conventional engine, it would leave a light cloud of smoke from the exhaust, but still made a healthy 104bhp.

The gearbox was another clever piece of design, electromagnetic with four speed, including two overdrive and reverse. The gears can be changed without using the clutch if desired.

The event will take place from 3rd to 5th September 2021 at Hampton court Palace and will have some 100 vehicles on display. Unique cars to modern rarities in Future Classics with a Gulf Vs Martini celebration. Some of the finest coachbuilt Rolls-Royces will take part and new for this year will be a collection of 95 British cars gathered to Celebrate the Queen’s 95 birthday. There is also a competition to inspire younger enthusiast in 30 under 30.

With an event like this will have the usual refinements on offer, champagne provided by Charles Heidsieck and picnics by Fortnum & Mason. On the live stage there are interviews with with Chubb Insurance, hosted by Jodie Kidd, plus many displays of art, jewellery and fashion.

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You can buy tickets Tickets to the Concours of Elegance 2021 from just £30 for half-day entry. Full three-course hospitality packages start at £288. Go to; www.concoursofelegance.co.uk/tickets

Thanks to the Concors of Elegance fo the images.

Simon

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