I had heard about, even read about but had never actually seen, an example of the highly advanced French automobile named after its designer, Gabriel Voisin. And then in 2006, at the Pebble Beach Concours, there appeared before my wondering eyes six restored Voisins! So imagine my surprise and delight when ace restorer Rudi Koniczek took me into his secret warehouse to reveal the Voisin shown above. Rudi discovered it hidden away (he calls it a "barn find") during a trip to France. Don't be put off by the apparent condition; this Voisin actually runs and is complete down to the last detail. For a restorer that's a blessing as no world-wide research will be needed for information and parts.

Gabriel Voisin came from a family of metal benders; initially his great passion was architecture. Yet he was fascinated by almost anything he could make, including, at age 28, a closed circuit record-breaking aircraft; he went on to establish a factory manufacturing nearly all the French warplanes of WW1. When Voisin decided to try his hand at creating automobiles, his cars were clearly influenced by aircraft design and manufacturing techniques. Whether this added or took away from the aesthetics is arguable but no one dare dispute the beauty in the details. With more than thirty 300SL classics being worked on and readied for delivery by his staff at any one time, Rudi Koniczek may not be getting to this one anytime soon but when he does, I'll be on hand to lead the applause.