Panhard Dyna Z
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1887 in France |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Automobiles |
The Panhard Dyna Z represents a lightweight, mid-sized automobile manufactured by Panhard in France between 1954 and 1959. It was first introduced to journalists at Les Ambassadeurs in Paris on 17 June 1953, with production commencing the following year. The model was eventually replaced by the Panhard PL 17 in 1959.
Background
Since 1945, Panhard—one of the oldest car manufacturers globally—had concentrated on producing economical vehicles. Similar to Citroën, Panhard positioned itself as an innovator rather than a follower, incorporating several advanced technological elements into the Dyna Z.
In 1955, Citroën acquired a 25% share in Panhard's automotive division. This led to a merger of their dealership networks over the subsequent two years, broadening market coverage to include Citroën’s small car (Citroën 2CV), the mid-size Dyna Z saloon, and the large Citroën DS. This collaboration improved market penetration for the Dyna Z during its final production phase, resulting in higher sales compared to its predecessor, the Panhard Dyna X.
Model development
The Dyna Z succeeded the Dyna X in 1954 with a more aerodynamic design and later evolved into the PL 17 in 1959 to reflect modern styling preferences.
Initially, like earlier models, the Dyna Z utilized an aluminium body mounted on steel tubular subframes and reinforcements. This was due to a surplus of aluminium after World War II; however, escalating costs and inefficient use of scrap material rendered this approach financially impractical. Consequently, from September 1955 onward with the Type "Z1," Panhard transitioned to steel body panels while retaining aluminium for the doors, trunk lid, and bonnet. This modification increased vehicle weight by 123 kg and necessitated redesigning the front suspension and shock absorbers. Despite these cost reductions, Panhard entered a crucial refinancing agreement with Citroën in April 1955.
By 1958, aluminium components were limited to bumpers, fuel tank, engine cooling shroud, and select engine parts. The Dyna Z remained lighter than competitors such as the Peugeot and Simca, offering an uncommon combination of interior space, comfort, performance, and fuel efficiency at a competitive price point. Nevertheless, reliability problems and engine noise impacted its popularity. The Tiger version featured a race-inspired engine complemented by a full cooling shroud.
Specifications of 1958 Panhard Dyna Z Tiger
This enhanced performance variant was marketed in the United States:
- Price (USD): Approximately $2,000—priced similarly to entry-level American automobiles and positioned between the Volkswagen Beetle and Peugeot 403.
- Engine: An 851 cc flat-twin, air-cooled four-stroke unit featuring advanced designs such as concentric torsion bar valve springs; roller bearings for main and big ends under Panhard’s patented system; non-removable cylinder heads; removable steel liners; soft-mounted engine mounts for vibration reduction; radial flow fan driven by crankshaft; aluminium cooling fins; herringbone timing gears paired with a durable "Celcon" phenolic gear.
- Power Output: Initially rated at 50 hp at 5500 rpm; later Tiger models delivered up to 60 hp.
- Drive System: Front-wheel drive utilizing concentric tube drive shafts equipped with rubber damping elements; inner Cardan joint located near transaxle and double Cardan constant velocity joints at the wheels.
- Transmission: Four-speed manual transaxle operated via cable with synchromesh on second and third gears; column-mounted shifter; unique configuration places gearbox between engine and final drive allowing direct third gear drive and fourth gear overdrive; final drive employs spiral bevel and helical pinion gears.
- Clutch: Conventional friction type actuated by cable; optional magnetic clutch used iron filings energized by a generator with dual windings powering both battery/electrical system and clutch engagement for smoother acceleration.
- Weight: Approximately 816 kg (compared to original 1954 Dyna weight of 649 kg).
- Fuel Efficiency: Around 30–40 miles per gallon.
- Top Speed: Approximately 145 km/h (90 mph).
- Performance Ratios: Power density of 58.7 hp per litre; weight-to-power ratio of about 40 pounds per horsepower.
- Steering: Rack-and-pinion mechanism mounted behind front suspension featuring a short steering shaft.
- Front Suspension: Upper and lower curved transverse leaf springs designed to elevate roll center; absence of anti-roll bar results in rear wheel lift during aggressive cornering; kingpins integrated with steering knuckles.
- Rear Suspension: Semi-independent trailing arms actuated by torsion bars mounted on V-shaped continuous tube axle attached via rubber bushings; no anti-roll bar included; reduced unsprung mass compared to solid axle setups.
- Bodywork: Constructed from steel (with earlier versions using aluminium), featuring streamlined four-door styling with low aerodynamic drag despite flat recessed side windows sealed by rubber gaskets along windows and rain gutters.
- Seating Capacity: Accommodates six passengers using bench seats combined with column gearshift.
- Braking System: Outboard drum brakes requiring minimal pedal effort without power assistance; later models incorporated cast aluminium alloy drums with replaceable iron liners featuring finned surfaces for enhanced cooling; open center rims bolted to drum edges.
Most units exported to the US lacked the central fog light depicted in photographs.
References
- Votre Panhard Dyna et PL 17, Tous Modèles depuis 1954, 8th Edition, Édition Practiques Automobiles, Paris
- Panhard factory service manuals and parts catalogs for Dyna 54 (aluminum-bodied models), '56–'60 Dyna, PL17, from Les Archives du Collectionneur
- Panhard, la doyenne d'avant garde, Benoit Pérot, e.p.a., Paris, 1979