Red Panhard 24 BT: An Exceptional Miniature
The red Panhard 24 BT by VEREM, reference 312 at 1:24 scale, is a faithful reproduction of one of the most original French cars of the 1960s. This miniature captures the forward-thinking spirit of this unconventional coupé, which has become a prized collector's piece for enthusiasts of French automobiles and collectors of VEREM miniatures.
Built with the meticulous care that characterises VEREM, this reproduction honours the legacy of Panhard, an iconic manufacturer that left its mark on French automotive history through bold technical innovation and distinctive design.
Miniature Details
- Model: Panhard 24 BT
- Brand: Panhard
- Year: 1963-1967
- Scale: 1:24
- Colour: Red
- Manufacturer: VEREM
- Reference: 312
- Protective case included: Yes
The Real Car: Innovation and Boldness
The Panhard 24 was unveiled in 1963 as the culmination of Panhard's engineering philosophy: combining performance and economy through featherweight construction and carefully refined aerodynamics. This revolutionary coupé weighed just 670 kg, a remarkable feat for its time, thanks to its aluminium body and innovative engineering solutions.
Powered by an 848 cc flat-twin engine producing 50 horsepower, the 24 BT (for "Boîte Tout synchronisé", or "Fully Synchronised Gearbox") offered a fully synchronised transmission, a rarity in this category. Its exceptional drag coefficient of 0.28 allowed it to reach 145 km/h despite its modest power, showcasing the ingenuity of Panhard engineering.
Commercially, the 24 was a critical success rather than a sales triumph, with around 28,000 units produced until 1967. Its unconventional blend of economy and sportiness appealed to a circle of connoisseurs who appreciated its outstanding technical qualities.
Panhard: The Legacy of a Pioneer
Founded in 1891 by René Panhard and Émile Levassor, the Panhard marque established itself from the outset as a pioneer of French motoring. In the 1960s, when the 24 was developed, Panhard was going through a period of transition under the stewardship of Citroën, which had taken control of the brand in 1955.
This era marked the end of a chapter for Panhard, which had distinguished itself through its innovations: an early adopter of the front-mounted engine as far back as 1895, a forerunner of modern transmissions, and an inventor of bold technical solutions. The 24 represented the swan song of this singular philosophy, blending a tradition of innovation with the economic pressures of the modern car industry.
The end of Panhard's civilian car production in 1967 made the 24 the ultimate expression of this legendary marque's creative genius, before the company turned exclusively to military vehicles.
A Car for Visionaries
The story of the Panhard 24 is full of fascinating anecdotes that reflect its unique place in the French automotive landscape. Charles Deutsch, the creator of the famous DB (Deutsch-Bonnet) cars, was one of the main architects of this exceptional automobile. His expertise in aerodynamics, honed in competition, can be seen in every line of the 24.
One particularly entertaining story concerns the economy tests carried out by the specialist press of the time. In 1964, a journalist from L'Auto-Journal managed the feat of driving from Paris to Nice on just 32 liters of petrol, an average of 3.5 liters per 100 km! This outstanding performance demonstrated the wisdom of the Panhard philosophy, which favoured efficiency over raw power.
The 24 also made its mark through its participation in endurance events, where it proved formidable against far more powerful rivals. At the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans, a Panhard 24 finished first in its class, proving that technical intelligence could triumph over brute force.
This car perfectly embodied the French spirit of the 1960s: creative, daring and unwilling to accept established conventions. It appealed to a clientele of intellectuals, engineers and artists who valued its originality and its exceptional dynamic qualities.
Complete Your Collection of French Miniatures
This VEREM Panhard 24 BT holds a special place in the world of French die-cast cars. It fits perfectly into collections dedicated to French die-cast cars and is an ideal companion to the other Panhard models available, notably the legendary Panhard miniatures from different eras.
Collectors who love 1960s cars will find in this miniature the perfect complement to their Citroën miniatures from the same period. The 1:24 scale lets you appreciate the fine details of this distinctive bodywork, while the VEREM finish guarantees a reproduction faithful to the original.
This miniature appeals as much to seasoned collectors as to enthusiasts of French automotive history who want a tribute to tricolour ingenuity. It sits naturally alongside other iconic coupé miniatures and is an excellent starting point for exploring the fascinating world of classic die-cast cars from this golden age of French motoring.
