Acquired in 1955 Citroën a 25% share in Panhard, France's oldest car manufacturer. Panhard was known for his innovative technical solutions and unique car designs. After World War II, this trend continued, led by Louis Delagarde, with their distinctive 2-cylinder boxer engines and often spherical vehicles.
Citroën and Panhard: a complex relationship
Citroën was interested in Panhard's innovative techniques, especially their aluminum body construction. But Panhard's unique solutions were expensive and posed financial challenges. In addition, laundry Citroën looking for extra production capacity for the order version of the 2CV. The interaction between these factors created tension in the relationship between the two companies.
Citroën gains more and more control over Panhard
Over time got Citroën more influence within Panhard and blocked the production of a new sedan, because the company itself was working on a similar model. Nevertheless, Panhard introduced the renewed Dyna Z, the PL17, which formed a bridge between the 2CV and the ID/DS series. This car was distributed through the merged in 1956 CitroënPanhard network.
Citroën blocks development of new Panhard models
Despite the success of the PL17, Panhard was not allowed to develop a new four-door sedan due to the risk of internal competition with Citroën. While Citroën worked on the launch of the Ami 6 and on Project C-60, Panhard was developing the 24, introduced as 24 C (coach) and 24 CT (Coupé Tigre). Although the 24s were innovative and aerodynamic, critics felt that a two-cylinder engine was not appropriate for such a car.
Citroën stops engine upgrade for Panhard
There were plans at Panhard to develop a new four-cylinder engine for the 24, but Citroën was reluctant. although Citroën and NSU had set up a joint venture called Comobil, and there was a possibility of using the NSU Typ 110 engine in the Panhard cars, this was eventually accepted by Citroën blocked.
Citroën blocks introduction of new Panhard four-door
Although the Panhard 24 CT put up a good rally performance, it stalled Citroën the introduction of a new four-door Panhard. Citroën took full ownership of Panhard et Levassor in 1965 and kept control of production.
Financial problems Citroën
In the meantime, the financial situation of Citroën. Significant investments in new technologies and projects weighed heavily on the balance sheet. In addition, on April 14, 1967, Project F was discontinued due to potential patent conflicts with Renault, resulting in multimillion-dollar losses for Citroën. The company then turned to Project G, which later became the Citroën became GS.
End of production of Panhard passenger cars
Strike on July 20, 1967 Citroën the production of Panhard passenger cars. This news was announced via a press release on August 28, 1967. After this, Panhard focused on the production of armored vehicles, while some aspects of Panhard's design philosophy can still be seen in future Citroënmodels. This marked the end of an era for what was once France's oldest car brand.
Nice stuff!
The PL17 was NOT the renewed Dyna X. After the Dyna X, the Dyna Z came in 1954 with a self-supporting aluminum body. The PL17 was introduced to the press in June 1959 and is therefore the renewed Dyna Z.
Panhard & Levassor was not only France's oldest car brand, but also the world's first car manufacturer. P&L made their first car in 1890 and was running production of 1891 cars by 30.
Until 2018, the name PANHARD was on the facade of both military vehicle factories.
I remember that in the early 60s, the municipal police of Veenendaal opted for a PANHARD
PL17 , in the color light gray , but since the agents could not handle such a small 2cylinder , this car did not last many years . I think they switched to one
Chevrolet C10 , so not a comparable car at all , again in the color mouse gray .
These Chevrolets also served with the Rotterdam police (in white) until the 80s.
As a Dutch Frenchman, I see quite a few similarities between the fate of Panhard and DAF. Both brands were technically very inventive and the passenger car division was absorbed by a larger car manufacturer. Both brands live on in utilitarian (military) vehicles. Coincidentally (?) both brands had developed their own engines: a two-cylinder air-cooled boxer, first 750 and later 850 cc. And both brands have fervent enthusiasts with successful brand clubs!
I drive a Daf 44, but I do rides with the local Panhard club!
"As hard as a pan". Panhard's military branch also had its amazing ideas. Not so much a battery of 6 boxer engines, an effective 12 cylinder that delivered 200 hp, but 2 drivers, each at the front.
and rear of the (reconnaissance) vehicle shown here to be able to drive forwards and backwards at the same speed.
The two (four) inner wheels are mounted with one Citroen suspension system operated. Traction when needed, comfort when possible. The suspension system of Citroen had many uses.
For the rest of the article. It is not strange for a company to “take out” another company for self-interest. Read about Borgward and BMW. Or about badge engineering in the British car industry. DAF special products, which is even more exciting than the passenger cars. DAF was really spectacular (see Dakar). It is of course sad as a lover of your brand that things go this way and that the finance department ultimately determines fate.
Years ago during a motorcycle holiday in the Maconnais, around 1970, I was accompanied by French acquaintances on a hunt for winegrowers in the Beaujolais in their Panhard. Can't remember the exact type. It concerned the aluminum bodywork.
The ride made a big impression on me: the space, the view, the comfort stood out in particular. Of course, the boxer engine was not exactly fast, perhaps accentuated by the long gears. However, compared to my wife's 2 CV, it was a world of difference! My later GSs appeared more futuristic, but were handicapped by insufficiently matured technical gimmicks and the lack of the beautiful carriage of the Panhard. Eternal shame, that the Panhard by Citroen help to the soul!
Years ago, somewhere in the early 80s, together with an acquaintance, we brought a Peugeot 203 to somewhere near Vinkenbuurt. Saw a Panhard there for the first time in my life, a beauty!
There was a sign on the road at the entrance "Forbidden for Japanese!"
I'm lucky because I was still driving Simca Horizon at the time!