Lot 312: Panhard-Levassor Type a Two Cylinder 7HP Voiturette

According the Panhard ledgers, of which copies are on file, car number 5139 was a Type A with a KA three speed gearbox, and was supplied new to the Christy, Médecet et Cie, of 1 place d'Helvétie, Lyon - Agents for PANHARD-LEVASSOR and RENAULT Frères on 25th April 1902. Also on file is a copy of the original confirmation from the Service des Mines certifying the car for road use.No mention is made of the bodywork fitted to the car, but it is thought that it would have been supplied in chassis form to Clément-Rothschild whose coachwork it still wears today.One year later it was sold to the former owner's family, in whose hands the car is illustrated. At this time the car had its standard radiator modified to enable it to cool successfully in mountain regions.For the next 70 years, the car resided in this same family ownership until it was discovered in rather tired order by the father of the present owner in Lyon in 1972.It was subsequently restored and then continually campaigned on rallies and events, particularly on those of the Teuf-Teuf club of which the owner's late father was President. One year the car was illustrated on the poster for their Rallye des Ançetres event and it was on this event many years ago that the car first caught the cataloguer's eye as being one of the most elegant and sporting veterans.The Panhard is today in tidy, though nicely aged and mechanically well-used order throughout. The button back leather has that mellowed feel that only time can create, while the bodywork is in good solid order and paintwork good.Its purposeful sporting bodywork is equipped with a cape cart hood and big brass dash-mounted sidelights.Panhard-Levassor will make an excellent addition to any collection of motor cars. It will enable its purchaser to enter the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run in the U.K. (where it would receive a good early starting position by way of its date), as well as the increasing number of events offered by the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain and of course the Teuf-Teuf Club in France.