Panhard Dyna X
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | June 28, 1887 in France |
| Founder | René Panhard, Émile Levassor |
| Defunct | 1967 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Automobiles |
The Panhard Dyna X was a compact berline manufactured by the French automaker Panhard between 1948 and 1954. Conceived by engineer Jean Albert Grégoire, it made its debut as the AFG (Aluminium Français Grégoire) Dyna at the Paris Motor Show in October 1946.
Conception and development
Following World War II, France’s government encouraged growth in the aluminium sector, prompting Panhard to transition from its pre-war image of luxury six- and eight-cylinder vehicles to producing a smaller model designed by Grégoire. Although this shift faced internal opposition, it aligned well with the objectives of the Pons Plan, which sought to reorganize the French automotive industry. This strategic realignment allowed Panhard to leverage the Dyna X’s development opportunities and maintain market relevance until ceasing car production in 1967. The Dyna X began manufacturing at Panhard’s facility in Ivry in 1948, establishing a blueprint for future designs and engineering approaches.
Models built
| Model | Chassis | Years built | Displacement | Taxable horsepower | Horsepower |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyna 100 | X 84 | 12/1945 – 08/1949 | 610 cc (37.2 cu in) | 3 CV | 22 PS (16 kW) |
| Dyna 110 | X 85 | 01/1950 – 01/1953 | 610 cc (37.2 cu in) | 3 CV | 28 PS (21 kW) |
| Dyna 120 | X 86 | 01/1950 – 01/1953 | 745 cc (45.5 cu in) | 4 CV | 33 PS (24 kW) |
| Dyna 120 Sprint | X 86 | 02/1950 – 06/1953 | 745 cc (45.5 cu in) | 4 CV | 36-37 PS (26-27 kW) |
| Dyna 130 | X 87 | 04/1952 – 10/1953 | 851 cc (51.9 cu in) | 5 CV | 38 PS (28 kW) |
| Dyna 130 Sprint | X 87 | 04/1952 – 10/1953 | 851 ccu in[convert: unknown unit] | 5 CV | 42 PS (31 kW) |
| Scarlette | X 90 | 05/1953 – 05/1954 | 851 cc (51.9 cu in) | 5 CV | 40 PS (29 kW) |
The model names Dyna 110, Dyna 120, and Dyna 130 reflected increasing top speeds (km/h) corresponding to larger engine capacities and power outputs.
After the Dyna X berline, Panhard introduced the larger Panhard Dyna Z in 1954, although some sportier versions of the Dyna X remained available for several years afterward.
The Body
Grégoire applied his knowledge of lightweight construction and front wheel drive technology to shape the AFG Dyna’s design. Developed under difficult conditions during the German occupation of France, it featured a tubular steel frame chassis paired with a lightweight aluminium four-door body. This modern, aerodynamic berline provided greater interior room compared to rivals such as the Renault 4CV, making it an efficient four-seater option.
The rear luggage compartment was generously sized and could be accessed internally by folding down the rear seats; externally, the spare tire was mounted on the back panel, preventing intrusion into cargo space. Thanks to a compact engine layout and lack of a traditional radiator, the front end had a sleek profile with distinctive headlights positioned between the fenders and bonnet.
Throughout its production run, the front lighting evolved from separate units to integrated assemblies featuring torpedo-style housings, while the grille was redesigned at least once.
Body variants encompassed two-door cabriolet, three-door estate ("Break"), and a "Fourgonette" light commercial van. The chassis and powertrain of the Dyna also served as foundations for the Panhard Dyna Junior sports car introduced in 1951 and were utilized by specialized manufacturers crafting lightweight sports vehicles.
Moreover, the aerodynamic Panhard Dynavia concept cars of 1948 were built upon the Dyna X’s chassis platform.
The Engine
The Dyna X was powered by a uniquely low-profile engine crafted by Louis Delagarde. This front-mounted, air-cooled boxer unit featured two cylinders. When introduced in 1946, the 610 cc powerplant delivered 24 hp (17.6 kW) at 4,000 rpm, which increased to 28 hp at 5,000 rpm by 1949. Its lightweight aluminium construction enhanced the power-to-weight ratio, enabling a maximum speed of 110 km/h (68 mph). The Dyna X earned acclaim in touring car competitions during the late 1940s and was noted for its fuel economy.
Engine displacement expanded to 745 cc in 1950 and further to 851 cc by 1952. The Dyna 130, named after its top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph), achieved an output of 40 hp (29 kW).
Running gear
Equipped with a four-speed manual transmission featuring a column-mounted shifter, the car incorporated synchromesh on the upper three gears. Consistent with Grégoire’s enduring preference, power was transmitted to the front wheels.
Commercial
In July 1948, the Dyna X garnered favorable attention when Georges Desmoulin and two companions completed an extensive trip into Arctic Finland using a standard production model, showcasing the vehicle’s comfort and dependability.
Nevertheless, the Dyna X’s market performance fell short compared to rivals such as the Renault 4CV and Citroen 2CV, which benefited from broader dealership and service infrastructures. By 1954, total production reached roughly 47,049 units, including 33,093 four-door berline variants.
Devin-Panhard
In 1954, a French dealer based in Hollywood supplied Panhard chassis and engines to racer Bill Devin, who created fiberglass roadster bodies sold under the Devin-Panhard name. These vehicles were available either fully assembled or as kits, with approximately twelve produced. The 750 or 850 cc engines could be equipped with modified Manx Norton cylinder heads, possibly representing the earliest automotive application of double belt-driven overhead camshafts.