When other manufacturers leaped ahead of Panhard-Levassor’s pioneering designs, the company looked to the future and decided to adopt the silent and innovative sleeve-valve engine created by Charles Knight in the US.

One hundred thirteen years after its delivery, this Panhard stands as a remarkable example of the design, features, and finishes with which it was supplied, as it is believed to have eluded restoration throughout its entire life. According to surviving factory records, its path began with a journey across the Atlantic to the South American agent Recht & Lehmann of Buenos Aires, Argentina, costing some FF 13,000 when new.

It is believed that the car saw only modest use in period before being laid up for decades. It was finally discovered, reportedly, by arch car sleuth Colin Crabbe in the 1980s. After passing to British collector Peter Fowler and residing in the UK during the early 1990s, the car was acquired by a Dutch enthusiast, before ultimately making its way to Germany.

Collectors habitually choose specific themes for their collections and the German enthusiast Martin Waltz selected Vanvooren coachwork as one such focus within his stable. This car served as the opening salvo, being one of the earliest known survivors showcasing Achille Vanvooren’s craftsmanship applied to automobiles, following the firm’s origins as a carriage builder in 1888. Vanvooren’s mark is evident both in the small rectangular plates on the side of the chassis as well as in the embossed door kicker plates declaring their Rue Marbeuf premises in Paris.

In 2018, the Volante Collection of Vanvooren cars was dispersed with this Panhard passing into new ownership, where it resided for seven years. Under its most recent ownership, the Panhard’s engine was rebuilt and it is reported to be running very smoothly, replete with its wisp of oil smoke generated from the routinely bathed sleeves.

A remarkable time warp, with delightfully aged paintwork and upholstery, this Panhard is considered authentic from stem to stern and is the “complete package” – from contemporary sales brochures for the model to the extremely rare Panhard-Levassor embossed leather tool and spares cases and tools. Its only noted addition is a period adjustable windshield to protect the rear passengers and an older top replacement.

Preservation cars continue to be a fascination on concours lawns across the country – and indeed around the world – with the most honored examples appearing on the 18th fairway at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. This Panhard-Levassor X14 20CV Torpédo represents an instant ticket to compete among those highly prized categories.