Panhard & Levassor X31 4-cyl — 1920

This fantastic Panhard - with chassis number 4,480 - was once bought from a scrapyard in Gothenburg by the chairman of the automobile history club. The car was in very poor condition but complete. After the current owner took over the project halted at the end of the 1970s. It took 15 years before it was completed after a total renovation where nothing was left untouched.
This French luxury car from the first years of the 1920s is most likely sold new in Sweden, and according to the owner it is only one of ten that still exists. Initially it was painted in a grey colour but today it is painted in two green colours that marry very nicely against all brass. The paintwork is professionally done, but after 40 years there are some minor paint drops and scuffs.
During the renovation, an extensive work was devoted to the body and the job was very solid and done by an expert with all dimensions correct all the way down to the ash frame. The interior - in brown leather – gives the same feeling of quality and made according to the old model. Together with the walnut work, edge-coated carpets and worked brass strips, this was among the most luxurious that existed in 1920.
The engine has been renovated a second time, with new valves, after the complete car was restored. Today the 1,700 kilo and 18 horsepower strong luxury car runs just as nicely as you expect.
Since the car was finally restored in the early 1980s it has been driven every summer and according to the owner it handles very well on the road, although the advanced four-speed segment box with the gear lever to the right of the driver obviously requires some training.
The car also includes a newly-sealed hood on the refurbished original frame - complete with side panels for chilly days.
As it should be, all blank material is made of brass, and the only thing that does not match the original is the temperature gauge on the radiator, which has been replaced by a simpler version from a tractor. The side mirror is also not original but comes from another early brass car.
In total just under 1,400 cars of this model were produced of this model where of probably only eight to ten exist today in the world.

• Mechanical condition

  The engine was renovated eight years ago, good compression, is easy to start and running smoothly. Also, gearbox, clutch and brakes are in good condition. On this car, everything works, including the beautiful brass pump under the dashboard on order to step up the fuel pressure. Tires in good condition.

• Interior condition

  Professionally sewn leather interior, with the original as a model. No cracks in the skin - like new.

• Exterior condition

  Well done restoration of the body. Some minor crack and lacquer releases on the front of the bonnet. Very good overall impression. Nice hood with accompanying side pieces. Some minor dents in the headlights. Temperature gauge and rear-view mirror are not original. After-mounted indicator lights.

• General condition

  Very nice overall impression that sustains a close-up study. Neat wherever you look. The car has received very high ratings on all exhibitions participated.

Fordonsstatus: Itrafik 1984-05-24 (Konvert)
Ursprungsbesiktning: 1983-07-07 (regbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 1984-05-24
Besiktigad tom: -
Senast godkända besiktning: -
Körförbud: Nej
Skattebefriad: Ja
Årsskatt: -
Antal ägare: 1

French Panhard made its first car already in the late 19th century - and was first with a series-built car with internal combustion engine. Panhard and his colleague Levassor also early understood the advantage with a front mounted engine and gearbox and linked to rear wheel drive.
The model designation 12CV existed since 1897, but the generation 12CV - produced between 1920 and 1922 - was built on the more modern X31 chassis with cardan drive and a four-cylinder engine of 2, 3 litres. During the three years of production a total of 1,376 were built. This was one of the last cars from Panhard with a conventional engine instead of sleeve engines - which became one of Panhard's signature for many years ahead.
Besides cars, Panhard also built trucks, buses, boat and aircraft engines. However, to stay technically ahead also comes with high costs - and like many others - Panhard later came into financial difficulties. In 1965 the company merged with Citroën and two years later, the last Panhard car was made.

For viewing the vehicle, contact Michael Luft

email: michael.luft@bilwebauctions.se
phone: +46 708 20 21 13

Collecting of vehicles, you need to book a collection time by calling our customer service +46 31 933 331 or Michael Luft +46 708 20 21 13

Once your payments have been cleared via our bank, we will send a confirmation to your email address and you can arrange a collection time.