Voisin C27 Grand Sport
The Voisin C27 Grand Sport represents the sporting pinnacle of Gabriel Voisin's remarkable automotive career. While the C25 Aerodyne showcased Voisin's vision for luxury aerodynamic sedan design, the C27 Grand Sport applied the same principles to a more compact, sport-oriented package. The result was one of the most visually striking and technically advanced grand touring cars of the pre-war era.
Gabriel Voisin's design philosophy for the C27 reflected his belief that aerodynamic efficiency and aesthetic beauty were inseparable. The Grand Sport body featured swooping fenders that integrated with the body sides, a steeply raked windshield, and a tail that tapered elegantly. The overall form suggested speed even when standing still, and the reduction in aerodynamic drag compared to conventional cars of the era was substantial.
The C27 shared the Voisin marque's signature sleeve-valve engine technology. The 2,994cc inline-six used Knight-patent sliding sleeves in place of conventional poppet valves, creating an engine that was remarkably smooth and quiet in operation. The sleeve-valve design eliminated the tappet noise that characterized conventional engines, and the power delivery was exceptionally progressive. The C27 Grand Sport version produced approximately 105 horsepower, slightly more than the standard C25.
The Cotal electromagnetic preselector gearbox complemented the engine perfectly. The driver could preselect the desired gear with a small column-mounted lever, then engage it by pressing a pedal at the appropriate moment. This system provided seamless gear changes that were far smoother than the crash gearboxes used in most contemporary cars, adding to the Voisin's refined driving character.
The Grand Sport designation indicated a more sporting suspension setup, with slightly firmer spring rates and revised damping. The shorter wheelbase compared to the C25 gave the C27 greater agility, and the lighter overall weight improved performance. On the road, the C27 Grand Sport offered a compelling blend of luxury refinement and sporting responsiveness.
Voisin's cars were the choice of the French artistic and intellectual elite. Writers, artists, and aviation pioneers appreciated the technical sophistication and aesthetic daring of Voisin's designs. The poet Paul Eluard, architect Le Corbusier, and aviator Charles Nungesser were all associated with the marque.
Very few C27 Grand Sports were produced, as each was essentially a bespoke creation built to individual customer order. The exact production number is uncertain but was certainly very small, likely in single digits. Surviving examples are among the most valuable and important pre-war French automobiles.
Today, the Voisin C27 Grand Sport stands as a testament to Gabriel Voisin's unique vision. In an era when most luxury cars were conservatively styled, Voisin dared to create something truly different, and the results remain as visually striking today as they were nine decades ago.
Among the rarest and most valuable pre-war automobiles. Any potential acquisition requires exhaustive provenance research through Voisin marque specialists. Sleeve-valve engine and Cotal gearbox require specialist knowledge that very few mechanics possess today. Body panels are unique to each car and essentially irreplaceable. Authentication is paramount. Expect six-figure restoration costs even for cars in reasonable condition.
Extremely limited production, likely single-digit numbers. Each car was essentially bespoke. Built at the Voisin factory in Issy-les-Moulineaux. Gabriel Voisin personally oversaw design and construction. The C27 shared the C25's mechanical basis but with sporting modifications.