Description
Magnificent sleeping giant. Powerful 4. 1 litre T-head 4 cylinder engine. Date of manufacture confirmed by VCC letter as being 1912. This is one of only three 12X models known to exist (one of the others being in the Schlumpf Collection). It spent most of its life in Queensland Australia. The very stylish and period appropriate ‘gentleman’s speedster’ body was fitted more than 60 years ago and is beautifully built with many charming details
Following initial restoration in the 1950’s the Panhard spent many years in the renowned Gilltrap Museum in Queensland sharing space with many important classics including “Genevieve” the famous 1904 Darracq. This 12X’s many desirable features include full acetylene lighting equipment with detachable brass torpedo headlamps, monocle windscreen and 25 gallon brass bolster style fuel tank. The fully stocked dashboard has period instruments including working tachometer, sight glasses for oil feed and the correct original ignition, choke and compression levers. The iconic Panhard steering wheel-mounted barrel type controls for ignition advance and hand throttle are fully functional. A charming external brass horn, cast alloy heel board an PL crests on the running boards along with original plaques and badges on the radiator are delightful details.
As well as the immensely torquey T-head engine the 12X has a 4 speed close-ratio gearbox and benefits from a modern hydraulic clutch replacing the troublesome wet plate original. A very efficient yet unobtrusive electric starter has been fitted to make the car more usable on tours. Good cooling is assured by both a massive fan integral with the flywheel and an engine driven fan (both original). Smooth, silent shaft-drive and detachable wire wheels complete the sporting specification. As can be seen from the photos, unobtrusive lap type seat belts are fitted and the car came from Australia still displaying scrutineering tickets from previous Motorsport outings!
The Panhard has been in the current ownership for the last 22 years but has not been seen in public during that time. On initial purchase is was in excellent condition and ran well except for the multi plate clutch which would not disengage consistently. It was put back into storage and with other projects on the go remained there until 2019 when it was dispatched to the team at Classic Performance Engineering, Bicester. There it was fully examined and recommissioned to be made ready for the road over a 9 month period. Extensive work included servicing and setting up the engine which was found to be in excellent order. Accessories were stripped and rebuilt, fuel system cleaned out and rebuilt from tank through to carb. Gearbox stripped and overhauled, likewise the braking system. The flywheel was lightened, balanced and fitted with a ring gear and electric starter. A new hydraulic clutch plate and mechanism were devised and fitted in the original casing. Costs for the above were in excess of £20, 000.
Unfortunately the car was returned as the Covid pandemic started and it has remained sitting sadly in barn storage since then as can be seen from the photos. Underneath the dust lies a superb Edwardian sporting thoroughbred. The owner is now reducing his collection due to age. He would love to see it go to someone who will use it often, relish it’s rarity and exploit it’s exceptional potential.
