It was simply too expensive to keep building. Rather than cling to tradition, the newly minted Avions Voisin Company looked across the Atlantic, analyzing engines from American makers like Packard and Lycoming, searching for the perfect blend of reliability and refinement.
The answer wasn’t obvious, but when they landed on the six-cylinder supercharged Graham engine, the fit was uncanny. It was engineered by Continental Motors, known for their smooth, quiet runners, and even though the design steered clear of the old sleeve-valve tech, it somehow captured the same hushed, elegant experience at the wheel that Voisin drivers expected—whisper-quiet, yet brimming with character.
And so, the C30 was born—a machine that ticked every box for performance and personality. Its engine delivered not just power but also a remarkable stillness, letting drivers enjoy the road without the typical clatter and fuss. In the C30, luxury wasn’t just about soft seats or shiny trim; it was about what you didn’t hear—a carefully engineered silence, thanks in part to two massive beams in the cabin separated by strips of felt that absorbed sound, wrapping occupants in a cocoon of calm.
Driving dynamics were another source of pride. The C30’s patented sliding suspension, paired with hydraulic shock absorbers, gave the driver a genuine sense of command—a steady, confident ride that stayed nimble and reassuring even when the speedometer needle crept up. Stability and control weren’t buzzwords; they were promises, delivered in every mile behind the wheel.
Only about 30 of these remarkable cars came off the line before the world was thrown into turmoil by war, and just five C30s are known to exist today. That makes the C30 S Coupe, showcased with flair beside the swooping Dubos Cabriolet at the 1938 Paris Auto Show, genuinely unique—there’s nothing else quite like it.
Gabriel Voisin’s signature is all over this car, especially in its lightweight aluminum body. His philosophy was simple: keep things centered and light for perfect balance. It wasn’t just about turning heads—though the C30 S certainly did that—but about creating a driving experience that felt agile, modern, and truly special.
Today, the Avions Voisin C30 isn’t just a relic—it’s a rare chapter of automotive history, celebrating French ingenuity and the courage to reinvent, blend the old with the new, and put the thrill of driving first.
