Among the many Le Mans Classic displays, two new retrospectives will certainly arouse the public’s curiosity: 12 years of Panhard & Levassor and the reconstitution of a paddock of 1952 Le Mans 24 Hours by the FFVE.

Panhard & Levassor: 12 years of Marseillaise

The Federation of Panhard & Levassor Clubs, a jewel of tricolour manufacturers, will present 12 years of the brand’s presence in the Le Mans 24 Hours. During this period, these French machines distinguished themselves in the Index of Performance classification and energy efficiency required by the organisers of the Le Mans race, to reward small-engined cars. The light chassis made by Panhard & Levassor, dressed by profiled bodyworks and motorised by the brand’s bi-cylinder stood out in this speciality.  

12 models having raced from 1951 to 1962 will be present:

1951: DB Panhard 745 cm3 Barquette Antem

1952: DB Panhard 611 cm3 (1952)

1953: DB Panhard 745 cm3 (2nd in the Index classification)

1954: DB Panhard 745 cm3 (1st in the Index classification)

1955: DB Panhard 745 cm3 (1st in the Index classification of the 500 à 750 cm3 category)

1956: Panhard Monopole 745 cm3

1957: Panhard Monopole 745 cm3

1958: Panhard Monople 745 cm3

1959: DB Panhard 744 cm3

1960: DB Panhard 702 cm3 (1st in the Index classification)

1961: DB Panhard 848 cm3 Le Monstre (1961)(2de in the energetic classification)

1962: Panhard CD 702 cm3

FFVE: in the ‘50s backstage

Le Mans Classic will also be the occasion to evoke 60 years of paddocks. A theme developed by the clubs and the FFVE (Fédération Française des Véhicules d'Epoque) to depict a backstage scene of the 1952 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Many museums and clubs have contributed by lending cars of the time: Salmson S4 Cabriolet, Panhard Junior, Renault 4CV Louis Rosier, Ford Comete Monte Carlo. But also a Gordini lorry, a Citroën U23 Besset bus and some motorcycles such as the Motobloc. Decors, vehicles and an atmosphere to offer visitors a voyage in the past.