San Francisco, CA, June 23, 2008 –– An unprecedented and comprehensive assembly of Avions-Voisin motorcars from the “M. Collection” of France will be offered for the first time at auction by Bonhams & Butterfields this August at their Quail Motorsports Gathering sale.
From the very first model to the very last, the collection comprises a representation of each Voisin ever created, many of them retaining the name of creator Gabriel Voisin (an early aeronautical pioneer) on their title of registration. Additionally, two automobiles in the collection, a coupe and cabriolet, are one-offs and, therefore, are the only ones to exist in the world.
Produced from 1919 to 1939, cars bearing the legendary Avions-Voisin badge have been sought by collectors for decades and were recently the featured marque at the world-renowned Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2006. These bespoke French automobiles are not only known for their acute attention to quality but earlier models are noted for design and performance cues taken from their predecessors, Voisin aircraft. Later, influences of Art Deco permeate design with hardware such as door handles having actually been designed by leading French architect Le Corbusier.
Says Bonhams motoring specialist Philip Kantor, “With an appreciation for art, speed, and all things aeronautical, Gabriel Voisin’s creations were ahead of their time. Not only are they the epitome of period luxury but performance as well since many went on to set speed records. A collection such as this is extremely rare and truly comes about once in a lifetime. Needless to say, we are very pleased to represent such an historic offering.”
This remarkable collection, which, interestingly, also includes the actual Voisin movie prop car featured in the film Sahara, starring Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz, will be offered Friday, August 15th at the Quail Lodge in Carmel, California.
Buyers interested in registering to bid, either in person or remotely, may call or e-mail the Motoring Department at 415-861-7500 or [email protected].