Panhard et Levassor Dynamic
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Panhard et Levassor CS |
| Founded | 1936 |
| Defunct | 1940 |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
| Products | Luxury automobiles |
| Parent | Panhard et Levassor |
The bodies
Louis Bionier, the in-house designer at Panhard et Levassor, crafted a Streamline Moderne style for the Dynamic, incorporating front and rear wheel covers known as wheel spats, along with two or three windscreen wipers. The design also featured split A-pillars with curved glass inserts, a concept first introduced on the earlier Panoramique. Headlights were seamlessly integrated into the front fenders, framed by surrounds that mirrored the grille’s shape, lending the vehicle a contemporary aesthetic that later influenced other manufacturers.
From a technical standpoint, the Dynamic was pioneering as the first French luxury automobile to utilize an electrically welded steel body constructed as a monocoque, thereby eliminating the need for a separate chassis.
A “six-light” four-door saloon model launched in late 1937 boasted an extended passenger compartment capable of seating nine occupants but did not include a trunk. An alternative shorter four-door saloon with a protruding boot was also offered. The vehicle’s notably wide body permitted three-abreast seating; early versions positioned the steering wheel centrally on the dashboard to improve driver visibility. This central steering arrangement was marketed as a logical solution during France’s shift from right- to left-hand driving; however, it was ultimately unpopular due to driver discomfort. By 1939, Panhard et Levassor reverted to conventional steering placement.
The suspension system was advanced for its era, featuring independent wishbone front suspension with upper arms directly mounted onto the engine itself.
Limited-production two-seater coupé and cabriolet variants were available but remained niche offerings, with only 358 units produced by 1938. That same year saw the introduction of a six-window Limousine model equipped with an optional partition.
Engines
The initial prototype known as the Dynamic 20 CV appeared in March 1936 and was powered by an inline six-cylinder 3,485 cm3 engine aligned with France’s 20 hp tax category. However, when production began in May 1935, the Dynamic 130 was equipped with a six-cylinder inline sleeve-valve engine of 2,516 cc inherited from the earlier Panhard et Levassor CS model, placing it within the 14 CV tax bracket. The designation "130" referred to its claimed maximum speed of 130 km/h (81 mph).
In addition to the Dynamic 130, Panhard offered the Dynamic 140 variant featuring a larger 2,861 cc (16 CV) engine shared with the “CS Spécial” model. Rated at approximately 75 hp (55 kW), this version became the most popular Dynamic, with production reaching 2,230 units before World War II caused manufacturing to cease in 1940. By that time, it was recognized as the final production automobile worldwide utilizing a sleeve-valve engine.
Variants
Panhard et Levassor provided three different wheelbase lengths: the shortest primarily served the soon-to-be-discontinued Coupé Junior; the longest was reserved for the Berline; while most Dynamics employed a 280 cm wheelbase. In 1937, the company introduced the premium “Dynamic 160” model as a successor to the Panhard et Levassor DS. This version featured a six-cylinder inline engine displacing 3,834 cc (22 CV), delivering . By 1938, production totaled 153 units.
The Dynamic 130 bore the model code X76 and was phased out in 1938. Initially, the Dynamic 140 and Dynamic 160 were designated X77 and X80 respectively; following steering system revisions in 1939, their codes changed to X81 and X82.
Commercial
Panhard et Levassor Dynamics were positioned at the higher end of the market, reflecting their cutting-edge engineering. Within just six months after their debut in October 1936, prices had escalated by more than 20% by February 1937. The "Junior 130" coupe with a shorter wheelbase was listed at 53,850 Francs, whereas the four-door "Berline 130" models began at 58,850 Francs.
To provide context, Renault’s Primaquatre—a model featuring a less sophisticated side-valve engine but comparable in engine displacement and wheelbase—was priced at 22,500 Francs for the Berline version in October 1936, increasing to 25,500 Francs by October 1937. Additionally, Talbot introduced the Minor in October 1937 with a contemporary lineup and a four-door Berline priced at 42,500 Francs (13CV), underscoring the premium status of the Panhard et Levassor Dynamics.
Wartime production
Following France’s declaration of war against Germany in September 1939 and the subsequent German occupation of Northern France by June 1940, Panhard et Levassor’s production focus shifted significantly. Unlike Renault, which had previously supplied vehicles to the French military, Panhard had not done so before the conflict. However, once hostilities commenced, Panhard received an order for 182 Dynamics equipped with larger engines, predominantly the long-cab “six-light” sedans intended for higher-ranking officers. These military versions were identifiable by an externally mounted spare tire on the rear panel, contrasting with civilian models where the spare was stored inside.
As the war progressed, manufacturing was relocated to Panhard’s Tarbes plant in southwestern France, where a limited number of Dynamics powered by gazogene fuel were produced. After France’s defeat in June 1940, Panhard, similar to other automobile manufacturers, increasingly devoted its efforts toward producing military equipment.