1912

Panhard held a special place amongst the earliest makes of cars. It was at the forefront of designing a "modern " car, with a layout of mechanical components that went on to become the norm. The marque was always on the look out for the latest innovations, and in 1909 Panhard became interested in Charles Knight's development of an engine where the conventional valves had been replaced with sleeve valves. Impressed by the silent and smooth running of this system, Panhard bought the licence and started to develop its own " valveless " engines. The first chassis to benefit was the Type X7, presented at the 1910 Motor Show, and from that date on, this engine was fitted to the marque's high-end models for many years. The X 14 Torpedo was one such model, equipped in 1911 with a four-cylinder 4 398cc valveless engine that also had a better braking system than the X7.

The Panhard et Levassor factory records show that the 29th of June 1912 the law firm Recht & Lehmann in Buenos Aires was invoiced 13 021 francs for the car. Details on the invoice confirm that it still has its original 20 CV engine today. It was clearly used very little in period, and was later sent to England i, it appeared in a veteran car auction in Ascot in July 1995 and was subsequently exhibited in a Dutch museum, in Assen. It was then bought by the Volante collection who had been looking to acquire it for some considerable time, in order to add one of the first Vanvooren-bodied automobiles to their collection. particularly impressed by the wonderfully original condition of the car, the previous owners have wisely decided to conserve as many elements of the original car as possible and not over-restore it. To make driving this imposing automobile easier, he had a steering damper fitted between the front axle and the tie-rod, which makes a significant improvement. This equipment can easily be dismantled if required.

The Vanvooren body, numbered 675, is particularly interesting as it is one of the oldest known examples by the coachbuilder to be fitted to a car that is still running. A very similar body exists on a 1911 Mercedes 38/70 HP that belongs to one of the most important collections in the world. This handsome torpedo is very well equipped, with splendid button leather, two folding seats with backrests facing the road, and a canvas hood. The car also has two spare detachable wheels with tyres, a folding brass windscreen, BRC self-contained acetylene headlamps and oil side lamps. It comes with a complete set of original tools in leather cases marked with the manufacturer's name.

In extraordinarily original condition, this rare and technically innovative Panhard is a precious testimony to the earliest days of the automobile. Remarkably, this is an automobile that will not only take you out on a drive, but also on a trip back in time. A preservation class marvel ready to be shown at the world’s most prestigious Concours d’elegances .

X14 20HP Torpédo