When introduced in 1963, the Panhard 24C was the most expensive two cylinder car in the world. It was the successor of the PL17, but still used its 850 aircooled flat twin, producing 42 bhp in standard trim and 50 bhp in the exclusive Tigre versions. The body design was very slippery and despite of its modest engine output, the Tigre versions were able to reach 160 kph, although it took some time to get there. The engines were high revving and needed to be kept on high revs in order make any significant progress.
The 24B was introduced a year later and met with the requirement for more interior space by adding 19 cms to the wheelbase. It was now a full four seater, but also heavier than the C model. The top speed did not decrease, showing the inherent aerodynamic qualities of the body design. The engine version could be identified by the suffix “T” for Tigre. Outwardly the much shorter roof over the rear side window gives the C model away.
Despite its high price Panhard managed to over 28000 of both model, almost 13,000 of which where B Models. The car probably had much more potential but it did not fit into the Citroen programme, and therefore the car was discontinued in 1967. If only the later Citroen GS engine had been fitted to this little car….apparently that engine was derived from the Panhard twin and not from the 2CV engine.
Shown here are a 24BT, a 24CT and a rare 24CT Cabriolet, which is probably an aftermarket conversion, as it was never an officially available model.
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Originally Posted by Leo_Ant
