
1905 Panhard Et Levassor 24HP Open Tourer
Chassis No. 9825
Engine No. 9825
VCC Dating Certificate No. 1018
£180,000 GBP
Few marques in the pioneering days of motoring had the cachet of Panhard & Levassor, which in the early 1890s had defined what was to be the accepted mechanical layout of the automobile for the best part of the next century I.E A front engine driving the rear wheels through a multi-speed gearbox.
In terms of quality, the Panhard – for so it was familiarly known, even though Emile Levassor was the engineer who had guided the company’s design policy until his tragic death as the result of a motor racing accident in 1897 – had few equals.
By 1904, the company had won the Circuit des Ardennes and Vanderbilt Cup races and their name was regarded as the pinnacle of motoring at the time.
From 1903 onwards, Panhard Et Levassor began producing larger capacity 4 cylinder motor cars of 24 and 50HP which were incredibly advanced and powerful for their time. Driven by leather cone clutch to a 4 speed gearbox, these cars had long legs and plenty of power that enabled them to cover great distances in comfort with the promise of reliability. These Panhard motor cars therefore cemented their place alongside Mercedes as the premium marque of the time.


The example shown here is a superb example of a 1905 24 Horsepower Open Touring car. With conventional pedal layout, 4 Speed gearbox and 6 seats powered by a large four cylinder engine, this early Panhard is the ultimate Veteran touring car. The car presents in exceptional condition throughout and is complete with all its correct features including Brevette oilier, Ducellier headlamps that are wired with electric lighting, Krebs carburettor and very typical Panhard steering wheel controls (Advance/Retard and Fixed Throttle). Looking at the VCC Dating records, it is clear that this example is the only Veteran Car Club dated 1905 Panhard of this engine displacement, therefore offering a rare opportunity.
Moving onto the vehicles condition, the car presents fantastically, the paintwork shows a nice age, the leather diamond buttoned trimming has mellowed with time and is full. The brightwork is everywhere to be seen on this car, with the Ducellier head and side lamps adding a real quality to the car. The brass framed windscreen keeps the driver out of the wind and adds another air of useability to the car. Mechanically the car is starting, driving and stopping well, with a good turn of pace and able to achieve speeds of 40-45mph, perfect for touring both in the UK and overseas.
Little is known about the cars early history, however it was in the care of VCC Stalwart Ian Moore for many years from the early 1970s. The car was kept by Mr Moore for many years and is well known in the VCC circles, he kept the car in superb fettle as can be seen today. The car is for sale on behalf of the current owner due to his decision to downsize his collection.
Offered alongside the sale is a current V5C logbook.