Voisin C6 Laboratoire

(voisin_c6_laboratoire) Mod

Built by Gabriel Voisin for the 1923 French Grand Prix at Tours. Designed by Andre Lefevbre (designer of the Citroen 2CV and DS) who also drove the no.10 car and was the only Voisin driver to complete the 800km long race, finishing 5th and last (out of the 18 cars that started) 48 minutes behind the 4th place Sunbeam.

Underpowered compared to its rivals its unique design is claimed to be the first monocoque chassis car. The body's light aluminium sheeting was braced by an ash wood frame with sturdier metal brackets bolted in at load-bearing points. The odd unpowered propeller at the front used the air rushing past the speeding car to power the water pump and cool the engine, less than efficiently according to reports.

Three Laboratoires also competed in the 80 lap 1923 European Grand Prix held at Monza, Italy but mechanical failures meant none finished the race.

Engine: 6 cylinder sleeve-valve, 1993cc, 78 bhp
Tyres: 765 x 105 mm
Brakes: cable operated front and rear
Weight: 660 kg