Voisin's Paris-Milan race victory commemorated

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In early September, Voisin collector extraordinaire Philipp Moch celebrated the centenary of Voisin’s victory in a race from Paris to Milan against the Orient Express by staging a re-enactment with eight cars. Prominent Voisin racer Dominic Lamberjack was responsible for the achievement, from behind the wheel of the small 1243cc C4 model. In 1922, that meant covering 530 miles in 17½ hours, but the re-enactment was more relaxed.

Participant Joe Moch tells us, “Of utmost interest to me was the worldwide breadth of interest in these obscure vehicles. Enthusiasts came from Japan, Austria, Germany, Holland, France, America and England.

“The parade left Paris in its rear-view mirrors and proceeded to cross the Alps into sunny Italy. Once in Milan, a guided tour of the Zagato design studios was arranged by M. Moch. Vice President of Design Norihiko Harada explained the changes in automotive design from the 1920s to today. The opportunity to see past, present and future projects was truly educational.

“The following day tour members were treated to the festivities surrounding the 100th anniversary of the Italian Grand Prix. As part of the celebration, the Voisins paraded the Monza track to deafening cheers. Philipp’s passenger, Formula One driver Daniel Ricardo, enjoyed the ride, if not the oily sleeve-valve smoke.

“The event concluded at Olie, a restaurant and car collection, or a car collection in a restaurant. The owners and staff took great pleasure in leading a tour of the venue and its restoration facilities.

“It was great fun, and a recreation of another memorable Voisin achievement is on the drawing board for next year.”

Words: Zack Stiling and Joe Moch; Pictures: Joe Moch

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