Saturday, March 26, 2011
Rudolph Valentino's 1925 French Avion Voisin
This is one of Valentino's many cars. This is a 1925 French Avion Voisin. This car appeared in the auction catalog, page 15, auction number 8. The catalog lists the car as having a "high lustre taupe colored lacquer paint job." The new photos of this car are gray, which is obviously not the original paint job. The hood ornament is of the cobra with the blood red fangs, which became a staple for Valentino after his film, Cobra. I believe this car is in the Nethercutt Museum in San Francisco. The photos are from the Nethercutt website. This is obviously a one of a kind personal effect that would be highly sought after by any collector, although it would be difficult to fit it into my Valentino room.
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I saw the photos on the website...I'm going to California asap!! I love the photo of it outside Falcon Lair. It still has the red leather interior as described in the estate catalog. The color taupe is really a dark gray with tinges of brown, purple, yellow, or green, although we most often see beige things described as taupe these days. It may very well be the original color, or very close to it, if not the original paint job. I'm so happy that this is in a museum that is open to the public. Thank you Brad, for posting this exciting piece.
ReplyDeleteThe site conceptcarz.com has lots of images of the 1927 model Isotta Fraschini roadster convertible that he ordered during his last trip to Europe in the winter of 1925. It was completed two months after his death. He ordered it with ALL the bells and whistles. I think it was his most expensive car yet, although I'm not sure what he paid for the IF town car/limo.
ReplyDeleteAna, It is so funny you commented information on the Isotta Fraschini from the Concept Carz website. I actually went to post that Fraschini photos from that website, I had it all typed out, but, if you look at the photos of the car on that website and compare it to the one in the auction catalog, they appear to be different cars. I am not an expert on cars, but if you look at the top of the passenger area and the back, they look totally different, unless the car was re-done. If there is any doubt I normally do not post it. See what you think, hilarious we are on the same page with the cars!
ReplyDeleteHaha..great minds and all that jazz. The one on conceptcarz is one that he ordered but never saw completed. It's a 1927 model because it would have been out in fall 1926. He ordered it on his last trip to Europe late in 1925 before he came back to start filming SOTS. Emily Leider mentions this in her book as part of his last European spending spree. This was a Isotta convertible roadster and NOT the Isotta town car that he had back home, the one that is listed in the estate catalog. He had at least two Isottas for sure, possibly more. I love cars so I started reading up on how the body was built by Fleetwood, who was bought out by Fisher in 1926. Look on Coachbuilt.com under Fleetwood and you'll see what I mean. If the info on there is correct, he bought the town car from Gabrielle D'Annunzio's son who was the head of Isotta Fraschini in New York. This car would not have been part of his estate because he never paid for it. It was put in a car show in NY that fall and purchased by Joseph Gaeta. It's supposedly in the Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, CA. The one listed in the estate catalog is in a private collection in Switzerland, right? Anyway, it's tough to keep all his cars straight. Didn't he also have a 1925 Rolls Silver Ghost?
ReplyDeleteCorrection, I meant the Roadster would not have been part of his estate, but the Landolet town would have been, and obviously was. Sorry I write so mixed up.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Sean I have the estate sale catalog for sale open for offers text or call 24 7 734-652-0785 it also has the floorplan and the actual time card specifying the dates and the spider web page is intact very good condition
ReplyDeleteWow, that is great information Ana, very thorough! I was unaware he had two Fraschini's, I guess if I would have read all of Emily's book, I would know these things. Yes, the Rolls Silver Ghost is in a museum in Virginia I believe. I am still checking into to that one as well, I have a few photos of that one saved as well. Fantastic information, I may have to use your comments for the future Isotta post and give you all the credit of course! Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteYou are too kind but no way man. This is YOUR show. I just talk too much. I'm terrible at getting my thoughts straight so you don't want me writing for your posts; I'd need an editor. Thank you for making this forum for Valentino discussion possible and sorry if I get carried away sometimes.
ReplyDeleteNot at all! I need someone who is knowledgeable and who can fact check me and add value to the blog. I really, really appreciate your input!
ReplyDeleteNice article! I'd love you to join my Valentino blogathon at Timeless Hollywood.
ReplyDeleteI have acquired a cobra hood ornament from a Councours level automotive restorer that specialized in pre war luxury automobiles. He said it was from a 1925 Avions Voisin. I wonde if it was Valentinos ? It weighs 2 pounds.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it was acquired through Dragone Restoration? I have one similar and know a very small number of Ornament collectors that also have one..."Made in France" Yes?
DeleteHow do I send photos ?
ReplyDelete