West Peterson Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 (edited) Is it just me, or did the judges at Pebble have their blind-folds on this past weekend?The winning car was a 1934 Voisin, obviously seperated at birth from the Citroen 2CV. Edited August 22, 2011 by Vertigo (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Peterson Posted August 22, 2011 Author Share Posted August 22, 2011 Out of some 250 cars, this is it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Peterson Posted August 22, 2011 Author Share Posted August 22, 2011 Are we supposed to believe that there were 249 cars on the field that were not as good looking as the Voisin? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 I don't know if this helps but I don't think that is a flattering picture of the Voisin. I wonder if that is the one that sold at auction unrestored a few years ago. Very cool cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Harwood Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 I like it. The juxtaposition of the angular Voisin front end with the rounded body is very cool. I'm a fan of the Voisin automobiles in general, although most French cars do nothing for me. This one I like.I like that they choose interesting and different cars, rather than just the "mainstream" Classics, no matter how spectacular. Odd and unusual counts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryJ Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Voisin's are very interesting and great cars. Checkout their interiors and engineering. Gabriel Voisin was a brilliant gifted engineer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryJ Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 By the way, the 2CV is an interesting bit of engineering design. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Agree these are neat cars and some coachwork is striking, but kind of unusual that in a competition that awards points to more desirable bodystyles a sedan would pull that off. Also agree with A.J. that a 3/4 view might be a bit more flattering.Anyone know how often a sedan had been the overall winner at Pebble? My guess would be you could count the times on one hand but I could be wrong... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Our editor is not shy in voicing his opinion on design and looks. He has even castigated my parents for producing an ugly child. Pebble always brings some very interesting and unusual cars. This ranks up there in unusual. Mr. Mullin has one of the best collections of cars in the world, I would love to own any one of his cars! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAVE A Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Sorry Steve, but I'm with West on this one.....I've been to a lot of Concours events and this is one of the strangest "best of show" choices I've seen. I rarely disagree with the judges on their choice of the best of show, or even in best of class, but I couldn't agree with this one. Then, of course, who am I to say...I like Crosleys!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R W Burgess Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Hey, it doesn't have white walls, that has to say something, right??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimacar Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Here's the link to how Best of Show is chosen. Beauty of the body styling is, of course, in the eye of the beholder as stated. I'm sure this car had that little extra "something", we've all seen restored cars, regardless of body style, that stop you in your tracks because the restoration is so exquisite. Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance : Judging Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Same model, different angle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Wow....talk about distracting from the design. Why do you suppose they went with the "Monte Carlo" style fender brace on the outside? I did not mind the side shot, but that bar in front should go away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trimacar Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Wow, this car must have had an awesome restoration, because it looks like they ran it through an ugly forest and it hit every tree....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Peterson Posted August 22, 2011 Author Share Posted August 22, 2011 (edited) Drawing upon his aircraft experience, Gabriel Voisin used sheet aluminum for bodies. Before World War Two, aluminum was scarce and expensive, which contributed to making Voisin cars among the most costly automobiles on the market. Also adapted from aircraft was the clever use of bracing to lend stiffness to parts like the front fenders. In a common, steel-bodied car, the fenders would be attached with many bolts to keep the heavy steel panels from bouncing or flexing. But with the external braces, Voisins could use lightweight aluminum for the bodywork and still retain the stiffness of heavy steel. The braces, as may be seen here between the radiator shell and the tops of the fenders, were not just rods or flat bars, but were machined into airfoil profiles for less wind-resistance.Here's an extremely interesting website to learn about Gabriel Voisin, which is where I got the above information:http://bricology.livejournal.com/39179.html?thread=438539 Edited August 22, 2011 by West Peterson (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Would make a great clown car for Cirque de Soleil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bkazmer Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 the fender braces, like them or not, are a signature touch on most Voisins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I almost always agree with West but I love Voisin. Not sure it warranted best of show without seeing the other cars. There is a strong European bias to that award. Btw, the rear wheel covers detract from the appearance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 A.J. your example has a different roofline as well. Personally I find the "formal" or "razeredge" roofline and no skirts on rear a much better overall look. I never thought the fender braces played that much of a role and actually thought they were decorative. Was the above car featured on the cover of The Classic Car a few years back?Unusual almost running board like treatment on the front - is that a rubber mat or running board?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Steve, I guess the Pebble Beach winner had a "aerodynamic" tail to it. Most of the C28s I've seen have the notch back. Total production of all body styles was tiny in any case. I think the fender braces are functional. Not sure if this was a cover car or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Drawing upon his aircraft experience, Gabriel Voisin used sheet aluminum for bodies. Before World War Two, aluminum was scarce and expensive, which contributed to making Voisin cars among the most costly automobiles on the market. Also adapted from aircraft was the clever use of bracing to lend stiffness to parts like the front fenders. In a common, steel-bodied car, the fenders would be attached with many bolts to keep the heavy steel panels from bouncing or flexing. But with the external braces, Voisins could use lightweight aluminum for the bodywork and still retain the stiffness of heavy steel. The braces, as may be seen here between the radiator shell and the tops of the fenders, were not just rods or flat bars, but were machined into airfoil profiles for less wind-resistance.Here's an extremely interesting website to learn about Gabriel Voisin, which is where I got the above information:bricology: Wings, wheels and the impossible houseSorry, but "the clever use of bracing to lend stiffness to parts like the front fenders" did not work for the looks. Being into architecture for years, I can say that if I was to design a nice cantilevered part of a home and then added braces like that, the owner would scratch his head and say, "Really?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 I love them but dislike Tuckers. Go figure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Skyking Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Wow, this car must have had an awesome restoration, because it looks like they ran it through an ugly forest and it hit every tree.......As I was reading these posts, I was thinking the same thing. What did it hit before entering the show field. Talk about UGLY!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 (edited) Maybe it won for the quality of the restoration as opposed to winning for it's looks?! I like the one with the skirts because of it's low, Airflow-like style, but the braces on the fenders ruins the whole "sleek" look, for me when I see the front view. Edited August 22, 2011 by keiser31 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stephen48 Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 :eek: It is hideous! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 A picture on a foggy morning but this Mercedes won best in class and most elegant open car. Another beautiful car.Boy, you guys are really tough! Obviously some people do like the car and I imagine it looks a lot better in person. Knowing the owner's collection it must be an absolute flawless restoration of a very rare car. It seems a lot of the Voisin's are polarizing. However, they are engineering masterpieces and I am glad this car was saved.Look some people actually like the Pontiac Aztec! When I was at GM's design studio and saw what was supposed to be the next generation minivan in the late 90's I won no points with the designers when I told them they had finally come up with a design that was sale-proof!Beauty I guess will be in the eye of the beholder! I'd except the winner in my garage any time except that I could not afford a fender on the car! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bhigdog Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 Everything about it shouts poor design and afterthought of purpose. If that car showed up on EBay as a street rod it would be hooted off the site as butchery. Sorry, but the emperor has no clothes...............Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ply33 Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 ...snip..Look some people actually like the Pontiac Aztec! When I was at GM's design studio and saw what was supposed to be the next generation minivan in the late 90's I won no points with the designers when I told them they had finally come up with a design that was sale-proof...I am a little surprised that I didn't see an Aztec across town from Pebble Beach at the Concours D' LeMons last Saturday. Concours d'LeMons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 60electra225 Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 As I was reading these posts, I was thinking the same thing. What did it hit before entering the show field. Talk about UGLY!!!!!!!!!And you have 3 Metropolitan's ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Skyking Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 And you have 3 Metropolitan's ?................and not one person I ever bumped into called them ugly.:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 A picture on a foggy morning but this Mercedes won best in class and most elegant open car. Another beautiful car.Boy, you guys are really tough! Obviously some people do like the car and I imagine it looks a lot better in person. Knowing the owner's collection it must be an absolute flawless restoration of a very rare car. It seems a lot of the Voisin's are polarizing. However, they are engineering masterpieces and I am glad this car was saved.Look some people actually like the Pontiac Aztec! When I was at GM's design studio and saw what was supposed to be the next generation minivan in the late 90's I won no points with the designers when I told them they had finally come up with a design that was sale-proof!Beauty I guess will be in the eye of the beholder! I'd except the winner in my garage any time except that I could not afford a fender on the car!Is that Zeppo Marx's Murphy bodied S that ran at Muroc? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old car fan Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 ugg,well sort of like it,sort of Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 60electra225 Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 ................and not one person I ever bumped into called them ugly.:cool:Can I be the first ? Don't be offended - I own a Tatra 603 ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Skyking Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 Can I be the first ? Don't be offended - I own a Tatra 603 !There's always a first for everything.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 I like it, I've read about Voisin designed cars and aeroplanes but I've never seen one in person, I'll bet the under hood and interior/dashboard are an engineering marvel. Congratulations to the owner for sharing this car and his collection with all of us. A full day at the collection is on my "Bucket List". Bob.......................P.S. I don't think that Mercedes is the Marx car, that one is yellow and under restoration in Pennsylvania for a local collector there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Peterson Posted August 23, 2011 Author Share Posted August 23, 2011 The Mercedes is indeed the Marx car. It won First in Class, thus was a contender for Best of Show. You are correct. It is owned by a collector in Pennsylvania. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Mellor NJ Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 A look at the interior Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Mellor NJ Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 A look at the posterior Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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