Dear Ultimatecarpage.com visitor,
Even though there were nearly 200 of the world's most spectacular vehicles on display on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach golf course, two cars were featured very prominently in all of our photographers' shots. There is a lot more that these, the Bucciali TAV 8-32 'Fleche d'Or' and Voisin C20 Mylord Demi-Berline, have in common. Both cars are designed by aviation pioneers, feature the same Voisin sleeve-valve V12 engine, sport a stylish art-deco coachwork and are one-offs. Our favourite was the Bucciali, which is the only one ever delivered to a customer by this ill-fated manufacturer. It comes complete with the front-wheel drive system pioneered by Albert Bucciali. Being the single survivor of his fine vehicles, this was our only opportunity to tell his life story, which is as interesting as his many achievements and our 2500 words still only cover the surface. For this alone we would like to recommend Christian Huet's fabulous Bucciali book, which is one of the most interesting automotive books published in recent years.
Voisin Gabriel Voisin operated much in the same spirit as Bucciali in not following convention, but by giving his cars' design a personal touch they are easily recognizable. The C20 Mylord Demi-Berline featured today is arguably his finest work. With an underslung chassis and sleeve-valve V12 engine the C20 is a technical tour de force, and with its art-deco inspired coachwork, it also scores good marks in the aesthetics department. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Gabriel Voisin was responsible for both the mechanicals and design.
Bucciali TAV 8-32 Saoutchik 'Fleche d'Or' Berline
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame...hp&carnum=2925
Voisin C20 'Mylord' Demi-Berline
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame...hp&carnum=2926
Regards,
Wouter Melissen