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The Online Magazine for Italian and French Classic Car Enthusiasts

Panhard

Panhard, the flat twin cars 1945-1967: Book Review

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Panhard, the Flat Twin cars 1945-1967 and their origins
11.5 by 8.25
336 pages Softbound, approximately 1000 illustrations, B&W
$38.75 USD, £25 plus shipping
Order from https://stinkwheel.co.uk/shop/

Review by Pete Vack

This is one of the most important and well-researched books this year, in fact, in the past several years. For not only does it address a rare topic, but does so with immense authority based on superb research, a confidence that comes with deep understanding of the technical issues that are so much a part of the subject, a love of the marque that is both overwhelming and yet balanced and the ability to take relevant side roads that delightfully amplify the main subject. We are pleased that it is entirely in English.

The author, noted Panhard historian David Beare, gives us a brief historical look at the Panhard-Levassor firm from its beginning in 1891, enough to set the stage for the tiny and amazing post-war Panhards.

If ever there was a misunderstood and underrated car (at least outside of France), it was the Dyna Panhard. Even the name is confusing, often Panhard Dyna, and also seen as Dyna-Panhard with a hyphen. Born under the reign of Nazi Germany during WWII, the project was encouraged by Jean Panhard, the son of the founder, Paul Panhard, and two remarkable engineers, Loius Delagarde and Louis Bionier. (Remarkably, Jean Panhard reviewed the text of Beare’s book and last month appeared at a Panhard club celebration of his 100th birthday!) [Read more…] about Panhard, the flat twin cars 1945-1967: Book Review

French History at Retro 2009

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retro
This turn of the century tiller Peugeot was typical of their 19th century products. Five cars were sold in 1891 and by 1899 the firm was selling over 300 cars per year. The history of Peugeot tracks the entire history of the automobile from three wheel steam cars of the 1870s to the energy efficient cars of the 21st century.

Photographs by Alessandro Gerelli
Text and captions by Pete Vack

Although an international event, Retro is nevertheless a French event first and foremost. The automotive history of France may have more length, depth, variety, and engineering excellence than any other country in the world. [Read more…] about French History at Retro 2009

“CD” and the Last Racing Panhard

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cd panhard
The Panhard-CD exhibited a Retromobile by Autodrome is chassis #LM64-01, race number 45, driven by Pierre Lelong and Guy Verrier. The car retired at 4.00 AM, after twelve hours, due to a failure in the transmission. Photo courtesy Autodrome Paris.

By Pete Vack

When you read the letters CD in terms of aerodynamics, it is usually assumed that they stand for “Coefficient of aerodynamics”, Cd, or Cx as some would have it. Others would have it differently, for the letters CD also stand for Charles Deutsch, whose lifelong ambition to create efficient race cars has been largely overlooked and yet is so important.
[Read more…] about “CD” and the Last Racing Panhard

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