Émile Levassor

Émile Levassor
Born	Marolles-en-Hurepoix, France
Died	April 14, 1897(1897-04-14) (aged 54) Paris, France
Occupation(s)	Engineer, Automobile pioneer, Racing driver
Known for	Pioneer in automobile development and car racing; co-founder of Panhard & Levassor; developer of the first modern transmission system (système Panhard)

Émile Constant Levassor (21 January 1843 – 14 April 1897) was a French engineer recognized as a trailblazer in the development of the automobile industry and car racing within France.

Biography

Levassor was born in Marolles-en-Hurepoix and completed his studies at École Centrale Paris. He started his professional journey in 1872 at a firm specializing in woodworking machinery, where he encountered René Panhard. This company also produced gas engines, and in 1886, following Belgian industrialist Edouard Sarazin's acquisition of a licence to manufacture Daimler engines, Levassor was appointed to oversee their production in France. After Sarazin passed away in 1887, Levassor married his widow, Louise, and together with Panhard, began constructing automobiles. In 1888, Levassor collaborated with Peugeot and Daimler at Peugeot's Valentigny Factory to share expertise, which resulted in joint work on Daimler and Benz engines. Unlike many contemporaries who concentrated mainly on engine performance, Levassor prioritized the complete vehicle’s design and functionality.

The 1891 Panhard automobile, powered by a Daimler-licensed engine, introduced several pioneering features that influenced future car designs. Levassor moved the engine to the front of the vehicle and installed a front-mounted water radiator for cooling instead of relying solely on natural airflow. He replaced the belt-driven mechanism reminiscent of bicycles with a crankshaft connecting the engine to the gearbox, incorporated a clutch pedal, and positioned the gear lever centrally—establishing what is now regarded as the first modern transmission system. This front-engine configuration enhanced passenger space and became widely known as the systeme Panhard.

Levassor was also active in early motor racing, securing fifth place in the 1894 Paris to Rouen competition and crossing the finish line first (though not officially declared winner) in the 1895 Paris–Bordeaux–Paris race, both times driving vehicles he had developed.

Personal life

In May 1890, Émile Levassor wed Mme. Louise Sarazin, who was the widow of Edouard Sarazin—a prominent patent attorney responsible for managing licences related to Deutz and Daimler engine manufacturing. These engines were produced in Paris by Perin, Panhard & Cie as well as Panhard & Levassor.

Death

During the 1896 Paris–Marseille–Paris race, Levassor experienced a severe accident while attempting to avoid hitting a dog. He never fully recovered from his injuries and passed away in Paris the following year.

See also

• Monument to the Glory of Émile Levassor
• Motorsport before 1906
• Arthur Constantin Krebs
• 1889 – "Première voiture de course"