Panhard Dynavia
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | January 1, 1887 |
| Headquarters | France |
Key people | Louis Bionier (designer), Louis Delagarde (engineer) |
| Products | Automobiles, concept cars |
The Dynavia represents a concept car created by Panhard in 1948 as part of an aerodynamic research initiative.
Post-war developments and conception
Prior to the conclusion of World War II, Panhard et Levassor foresaw a reduced market for their large, expensive vehicles and thus planned to introduce a smaller, more economical model. Designer Louis Bionier began work on a compact two-box "voiture populaire" featuring front-wheel drive and powered by an air-cooled two-cylinder boxer engine developed by engineer Louis Delagarde.
At the same time, designer Jean-Albert Grégoire was developing the "Automobile Légère Grégoire" (ALG), later renamed "Aluminium Français Grégoire" (AFG), backed by the French aluminum consortium. This lightweight vehicle employed front-wheel drive and an air-cooled two-cylinder boxer engine, with a total weight of only 400 kg thanks to its aluminum monocoque chassis and body. Despite demonstrations to manufacturers such as Simca, it failed to attract significant interest.
Following the implementation of the Pons Plan, which aimed to streamline the French automotive industry, Panhard was restricted from accessing materials needed for larger cars. While steel was rationed, aluminum production had increased during wartime. To comply with the plan’s focus on small cars, Panhard secured non-exclusive rights to the aluminum-intensive AFG design, a move endorsed by Pons.
Bionier and Delagarde then developed the VP2, which substituted the AFG’s Alpax monocoque chassis with steel box sections reinforced by cross-bracing. The VP2 featured a 4-door, 4-seat aluminum body that retained styling elements from the AFG design; however, neither Grégoire nor Bionier were entirely pleased with the result. Panhard never publicly admitted this connection and was later sued by Grégoire over royalty disputes. The VP2 ultimately entered production as the Panhard Dyna X.
During wartime, Bionier pursued aerodynamic research inspired by natural forms such as birds and fish, culminating in a streamlined seven-passenger concept called the VP6. In 1945, he conducted wind tunnel testing on a one-fifth scale model at the Institut Aérodynamique in Saint-Cyr.
After launching the Dyna X, Bionier returned to these aerodynamic investigations and constructed the Dynavia concept vehicle to demonstrate these principles applied to a full-scale automobile.
Features and performance
The Dynavia utilized the chassis of the Dyna X and was equipped with Panhard’s two-cylinder OHV GM600 boxer engine displacing 610 cc. The front-mounted powerplant drove the front wheels through a four-speed manual transaxle. The car featured independent suspension on all wheels, rack-and-pinion steering, and drum brakes at both front and rear.
Its 2-door body was crafted from Duralinox, an aluminum-magnesium alloy. The streamlined design achieved an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.26. Although intended to accommodate four passengers, the slender body combined with a curved roofline restricted interior space. The tall greenhouse incorporated a split windshield that enhanced visibility. Lighting included a centrally mounted floodlight alongside Cibié “zero dazzle” headlamps seamlessly integrated into the fenders.
Weighing 650 kg—heavier than the Dyna X—the Dynavia produced 28 horsepower at 4000 rpm, allowing it to reach a top speed of 131 kph, approximately 18% faster than its Dyna X counterpart. Fuel efficiency ranged from 3.5 to 5 liters per 100 kilometers.
Launch and Later Developments
The Dynavia made its initial appearance at the 1948 Paris Auto Salon, where it was met with favorable reactions from both the public and automotive journalists. The prototype remained under Panhard's possession and was eventually placed on permanent loan to the Cité de l'Automobile museum in Mulhouse. It was also showcased at the 2005 Rétromobile exhibition.
A second model was initially acquired by a dealership in Grenoble before passing into the hands of a private owner in Switzerland; this vehicle was ultimately destroyed following an accident. Although components for a third Dynavia were manufactured, the vehicle itself was never completed.
The aerodynamic efficiency and overall success of the Dynavia encouraged Paul Panhard to commission Bionier to design an aerodynamic body for the forthcoming Panhard Dyna Z.