France vs UK — 1963 vs 1963
| 24CT | Spitfire Mk 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 60 hp | 63 hp |
| Torque | 63 lb-ft | 68 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1,147 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 17.0 sec | 16.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | 90 mph |
| Weight | 1,720 lbs | 1,598 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,580 mm | 2,108 mm |
| Length | 4,290 mm | 3,658 mm |
| Units Produced | 28,651 | 45,753 |
| Original MSRP | $3,800 | $1,895 |
| Value (Excellent) | $50,000 | $22,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1963 Panhard 24CT brings higher top speed, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1963 Triumph Spitfire Mk 1 answers with quicker acceleration, lighter weight, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between France and UK automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1963 Panhard 24CT versus 1963 Triumph Spitfire Mk 1 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1963 Panhard 24CT producing 60 hp and the 1963 Triumph Spitfire Mk 1 delivering 63 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Panhard 24CT uses a Flat-twin OHV Panhard displacing 848 cc, while the Triumph Spitfire relies on a Inline-4 OHV with 1,147 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1963 Triumph Spitfire Mk 1 edges ahead at 16.4 seconds versus 17.0 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.