Passionate about aviation and building flying machines, Gabriel Voisin had to shift his focus towards manufacturing cars after the end of World War I had left him with no aircraft contracts.

Avid collectors know that one of the most remarkable automotive creations by Voisin is the Lumineuse (the name is French for “light”), which features a greenhouse-inspired design that allow natural light to fill the interior. This here is chassis number 28068, a stunning example with a recently uncovered history, documented by Pierre-Yves Laugier.

1927 Avions Voisin C14 Lumineuse, Front View 1927 C14 Lumineuse by Voisin 1927 Avions Voisin C14 Lumineuse, Back View

The current owner is a well-known Avions Voisin historian, and according to his report, the car was first registered in June, 1930. It changed hands many times after that, suffering a series of modifications in the process. In 1991 it was purchased by the present owner and subsequently reconditioned by brand expert Jean-Pierre Becret.

Then in the year 2000 the rare opportunity of buying the car’s original engine emerged, and the owner did not hesitate for a second. This is one of very few examples still in existence today, and given its excellent condition experts estimate its value to $950,000.

1927 Avions Voisin C14 Lumineuse, Controls 1927 Avions Voisin C14 Lumineuse, Engine 1927 Avions Voisin C14 Lumineuse, Lights 1927 Avions Voisin C14 Lumineuse, interior 1927 Avions Voisin C14 Lumineuse, Wheel 1927 Avions Voisin C14 Lumineuse 1927 Avions Voisin C14 Lumineuse, Side View