1961 Panhard / Levassor PL17

Originally sold by a garage in Derby, this 1961 example – coincidently, the same year that Panhard PL17s took the top three positions in the Monte Carlo rally - is believed to be just one of only a handful of remaining right-hand-drive cars.

Its rarity in period was probably down to its price rather than an inherent undesirability; trying to sell a quirky little French air-cooled car for the same price as a Jaguar must have been one of the tougher jobs in the industry…

The current owner has owned the car since June 2011 and fully recommissioned it with help from members of the Panhard Club GB. It has a full MOT and passed the last two with no advisories at all. (The 2013 test did note that the two rear shock absorbers were slightly weak but as subsequent testers haven’t mentioned it, it would seem that their replacement is desirable rather than essential.)

It also comes with its original number plates, having successfully survived the ravages of the boom in ‘personalised’ number plates.

Benefitting from an older respray, the car is finished in a fetching shade of classic American Ford Galaxy metallic. The current owner has left the external chromework in its original, patinated form but the new owner should find that a mirror finish is possible with the application of a little elbow grease.

Work to be done is limited to the rectification of a small dent on driver’s side roof, filling of a small hole in the internal front wing and a few small blemishes and paint issues. This is roughly hand-sized but should ‘pop out’ fairly easily without leaving any creased metal behind. There are some other small blemishes 

The only rust on the car are a couple of minor spots on the wheel arch and the roofline and this has been fully captured in the photos below.

The interior is original and is in good order with a nicely patinated appearance to the seats, door cards and dashboard. The front seat would benefit from new foam and some minor repairs to the stitching; it also has a few small tears but is serviceable and fully original. New carpets have been commissioned and made but have yet to be fitted as the current owner wanted to allow people to see how solid the car's floorpan is. 

There is a small tear in the headlining above the driver’s head, which has been left untreated in order to let the new owner repair it to his or her own standards.

The car has always been dry stored while under the current owner’s care and is fully waxoyled and protected. It has a very solid floor with only minor welding repairs having been necessary over the years. It has benefitted from regular oil changes, including the gearbox and has recently had a new fuel gasket and fuel filler pipe fitted.

With the exception of the aforementioned rear dampers, the owner tells us that the car is in good order and doesn’t need any mechanical work done to it.

The car benefits from a full stainless steel exhaust system which gives a lovely engine note.

First registered on the 30th of August 1961, the car is well known to the Citroen Car Club having been owned by one of its members. It has had seven owners, one of whom was a prolific Panhard collector, with the PL17 being just one of seven Panhard models he owned.

A significant highlight of the car’s history is its starring role in an arthouse film called He Trades In Death (watch on YouTube). It’s a wonderful film and a clear indication of the stylishness the PL17 confers on its driver!

The Panhard is offered with an original handbook for the model along with some photographic history and the V5 registration document.

The Panhard PL17 is an interesting car in so many ways: it seats six people yet retains a huge boot, making it a much more practical vehicle than its size might lead you to believe.

Similarly, the twin-cylinder, air-cooled boxer engine might evoke memories of the Citroen 2CV but it thrusts the car forward with surprising levels of vigour thanks to that lightweight, aerodynamic body.

With the same overall length as a Citroen DS the Panhard is smooth and stable at its cruising speed of 70mph with light and accurate steering. The four-speed gearbox lacks synchromesh on 1st and 2nd gears but is easily managed via the column-mounted gearlever and lends a period charm to the driving experience.

Jay Leno is another huge fan of the Panhard PL17, praising his example for its super-smooth engine: “It’s a really clever bit of kit and it’s just so uniquely French.” And this, we feel, lies at the heart of this car’s appeal. Panhard’s history is inextricably linked with that of Citroen and the parallels are obvious; the price of early Citroens has risen, and risen fast, but even so most commentators agree that there is still room for movement, leaving them beyond the grasp of the ordinary enthusiast.

Which is where the little Panhard PL17 comes in. We think this car provides exceptional value as a good example of a rare, right-hand-drive historically important car.

However, when you consider that it is also eligible for a number of historic motoring events thanks to its 1961 Monte Carlo rally win, you can see that it also provides a cost-effective way to step into the world of historic rallying.

The car is available to view with the seller in Suffolk, use the contact button to get in touch and arrange. There is also a great video below that gives a real sense of the condition of the car. 

Guide price is £8-10,000 but as always the reserve is set lower.