Panhard 24CT
The Panhard 24CT is one of the most unusual and technically fascinating French cars of the 1960s. Panhard was one of the world's oldest automakers, founded in 1887, and by the 1960s had developed a unique design philosophy centered around lightweight construction, aerodynamic efficiency, and unconventional flat-twin engines. The 24CT was the ultimate expression of this philosophy.
The 24CT (Cylindrée Tigre - Tiger Displacement) was powered by an air-cooled aluminum flat-twin (boxer) engine displacing just 848cc but producing 60 hp through high compression, twin carburetors, and sophisticated tuning. This tiny engine could propel the lightweight 24CT to 100 mph — remarkable for less than one liter. The secret was the car's extraordinary aerodynamic efficiency.
Louis Bionier designed the 24's streamlined body with a drag coefficient of just 0.26 — a figure that wouldn't be matched by mainstream cars until the 1990s. The smooth, curved body featured flush glass, covered rear wheels, and minimal frontal area. The result was a car that could achieve over 40 mpg while cruising at 80+ mph, making it one of the most fuel-efficient performance coupes ever built.
The chassis was equally sophisticated. Front-wheel drive with independent torsion bar suspension at all four corners, rack-and-pinion steering, and front disc brakes provided handling and braking that belied the modest power output. The flat-twin engine's low center of gravity and front-wheel-drive traction gave the 24CT nimble, predictable handling.
Panhard's independence ended in 1965 when Citroën, which had acquired Panhard in 1955, decided to cease passenger car production to avoid competition with its own models. The 24 series was discontinued in 1967, ending 80 years of Panhard automobile production. Total 24CT production was approximately 28,651 units.
Today, the Panhard 24CT is appreciated as an engineering tour de force — proof that sophistication, efficiency, and performance don't require displacement. Clean examples are rare and increasingly collectible.
The Panhard 24CT is a quirky collector car requiring specialist knowledge. The flat-twin engine is aluminum and durable but parts are scarce. Check for cooling issues (air-cooled design). The aerodynamic body is aluminum over a steel frame — check frame for rust. Front-wheel-drive CV joints require maintenance. The twin Zenith carburetors need expert tuning. The 24CT (60 hp) is most desirable. Automatic versions (24BA) exist but are slow. Values are rising as French classics gain recognition. Most surviving cars are in France and Belgium. Panhard clubs provide excellent support.
Total 24 series production (all variants): approximately 150,000 (1963-1967). The 24CT (60 hp twin-carb) was the performance version. Other variants included 24B (base), 24BA (automatic), and 24BT (mid-spec). Panhard was acquired by Citroën in 1955; passenger car production ended in 1967. Panhard continued building military vehicles. The 24CT competed in endurance racing, winning class victories at Le Mans.