One of Only Four Examples Known To Exist, Takes Home Best of Show at The Amelia Concours d’Elegance 2023

Congratulations to the 2023 Amelia Concours d’Elegance Best of Show winners: 1935 Voisin Aerodyne (Concours d’Elegance) and 1964 Ferrari 250 LM (Concours de Sport).

On Sunday, 5 March, The Amelia Concours d’Elegance saw hundreds of the most impressive vehicles from across the globe. Featuring 32 classes with 250 historically significant vehicles vying for various awards and accolades. The 28th annual gathering at The Amelia saw 25,000 enthusiasts come together for featured auctions, driving events and a 2-day show on the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

Congratulations to 2023 Best in Show winners:

• The Best in Show Concours d’Elegance was awarded to a 1935 Voisin C25 Aerodyne displayed by Merle and Peter Mullin of Oxnard, California.
• The Best in Show Concours de Sport was awarded to a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM displayed by Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Rain splashed upon the cars gathered for Saturday morning’s shows at Amelia Island, Florida, but Sunday shone blue-sky perfect for the 28th Annual Amelia Concours d’Elegance. It was particularly resplendent for noted collectors Merle and Peter Mullin and their 1935 Avions Voisin Type C25 Aérodyne, which was awarded 2023’s Best in Show.

“Winning here at this beautiful venue on this beautiful day on Amelia Island has been an A-plus experience for us,” said Merle Mullin. “We were up against some serious contenders, so I am very honored that the judges chose us to win.”

Concours prizes and top-flight shows are old hat for this particular Type C25 Aérodyne, chassis number 50010. Purchased by the Mullins in the early 2000s, the Voisin underwent a comprehensive, three-year restoration that was completed in time to participate in and win Best in Show at 2011’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It remains one of only a handful of four-door cars to secure the honor.

The Type C25 Aérodyne, which debuted at the 1934 Paris Salon de l’Automobile, presented airplane pioneer and manufacturer Gabriel Voisin’s take on “the car of the future.” One of just six made and only four known to exist today, the Aérodyne showcased Voisin’s focus on light weight, with alloy touches, including headlight trim, lights on the fenders, and door handles made specifically for this car.

Perhaps its most notable highlight is the electrically retractable roof, a novel concept for the ’30s. Technical innovations weren’t limited to the luxurious accommodations, however, as the Aérodyne also sports an early form of adjustable suspension. Powered by an inline six-cylinder, sleeve-valve engine, the car is exceedingly quiet while running, even by modern standards.

See all 2023 Amelia Concours d’Elegance Winners here.