A mother who never lost her passion for cars

It's not always we get a big smile when we check our e-mail inbox but, now and then, we get a surprise. Indeed, we were pleasantly surprised when we saw a message from Jimmy James, who was looking for the owner of a Voisin registered RX 9550, and told us the story of his mother, who has just turned 93 and has always been a bit of a car enthusiast.

She graduated as an engineer and joined the Royal Air Force as an Engineering Officer in 1952. Employment with the RAF provided her with a modest income, accommodation in the officers' mess, and limited storage facilities for motor cars, allowing her to pursue her passion. During those early years, before she got married, she owned a Three-Litre Bentley, a Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 and what she described as a ‘very desirable French car’.

Whilst going through some of her old photographs, Jimmy came across a one of her with an unidentified pre-war ‘Bentley-type car’ and Meteor jet aeroplane. Enlargement of the photograph revealed the registration number RX 9550, and a mascot which appears to be that of a Voisin.

A quick check on the DVLA database confirmed that it was a Voisin, and if the registration number is correct the car probably still exists, although it is not presently on the road. It would be great if we can find out who owns this car now and perhaps organise a get-together. If so, please contact us by [email protected].

Jimmy's mother never lost her passion for cars. She was a car dealer for some 40 years, and now, although she no longer has a driving licence, she still owns two Mini Coopers.

Publiziert:

Freitag November 18th, 2022

Mike Rose

19 November 2022, 23:39

Hey Jimmy ... We'd love to see more of your dear mum....
if you just hit her or the Voisin with your mouse, you can see the whole of the car as well.

You might be amused to learn how my short attention span when it comes to her squadron airplanes, is very limited, as I discovered that in this context "CANBERRA"" has to be spelled "METEOR" :-)

I'm sure RX9950 is still in England, but I must confess I rather lost touch way back in the Last Century

Cheers,
Mike

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Jimmy James

19 November 2022, 10:17

Mike,

What a fantastic start to this challenge to find this car, thanks so much for your contribution, Mother will be so pleased to learn of your association with one of her 'loved' cars.

Jimmy

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Michael Rose

18 November 2022, 11:26

I recognised that distinctive Avions Voisin in the photo, even after my specs couldn't focus properly tonite.
In the late sixties, I came across an real live Avions Voisin in a rather strange way, flicking through Exchange and Mart in my Holborn office one happy Thursday, I responded to an advert for a couple of unidentifiable boxes of engine bits, to be collected from darkest Berkshire.
I'd already discovered the whereabouts of a certain Voisin ... identifiable by the RX9950 registration .... and quit assuredly "Not For Sale"
The car's canny keeper was in no mood to sell....but did respond quite well to a little light ale on a certain social occasion.
The box of bits yielded a cylinder block and lotsa engine bits all of which hinted. Among the assorted bits, I came across the broken-off wingtip of the radiator mascot from one of Gabriel's Mille et Une Voitures.
When I finally found the C14 voiture, it very obviously sported a noticeably lop-sided mascot. I had an bright idea.

After we'd quaffed a few swift halves, I said: "I'll tell you why you're going to sell me the Voisin, John"
I plunked the aluminium wingtip on the table. John's delighted reaction was beautiful to behold.... I bought the car the very next day.
RX9950 is doubtless still providing the most entertaining motoring to some lucky owner 45 years later.

Mike R
Auckland, NZ

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A mother who never lost her passion for cars

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