Panhard & Levassor

The partnership of René Panhard and Émile Levassor produced its first automobile in 1890, using a V2, 921cc, engine, built under license from Daimler. A year later four identical new Daimler-engined models were produced, with a layout which effectively set the pattern of automobile design for much of the next century: front-mounted engine and radiator; a clutch; crankshaft-linked engine/gearbox and a driven rear axle.

Levassor died in 1897, following injuries sustained in a road race, but with new investors on board, the company thrived during the early 1900s. In the inter-war period, it moved progressively towards larger, more opulent vehicles, establishing itself at the upper end of French motoring extravagance.

Post WWII, however, it struggled and in 1965 was taken over by Citroen, with car production ceasing in 1967.

About this vehicle

This was Richard Shuttleworth’s first “old crock” acquisition, purchased at the tender age of 19, in 1928, with the intention of entering it for that year’s London-Brighton. There was little time to prepare the car however and several mechanical issues arose during the run, which meant that although it was successful, it took over 6 hours at an average speed of barely 8 mph.

The car is believed to date from 1900 and was purchased by Leopold de Rothschild in 1902. At that time, it had an open, Landaulette style body but was later re-bodied in the Brougham style, with an open front compartment and enclosed rear passenger section.

The vehicle has completed the London to Brighton run on several occasions since its first outing in 1928, the most recent being November 2025.

Specification