Panhard 24 BT Red: An Exceptional Miniature
The red Panhard 24 BT from VEREM, reference 312 in 1/24th scale, is a faithful reproduction of one of the most original French automobiles of the 1960s. This miniature perfectly captures the avant-garde spirit of this atypical coupé, which has now become a real collector's item prized by French car enthusiasts and collectors of VEREM model cars .
Crafted with VEREM's signature care, this reproduction honors the legacy of Panhard , an iconic manufacturer that left its mark on French automotive history with its bold technical innovations and unique design.
Miniature Features
- Model: Panhard 24 BT
- Brand: Panhard
- Year: 1963-1967
- Scale: 1/24th
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Color: Red
- Manufacturer: VEREM
- Reference: 312
- Protective case included: Yes
The Real Model: Innovation and Audacity
The Panhard 24 was presented in 1963 as the culmination of Panhard's technical philosophy: combining performance and economy thanks to its light weight and meticulous aerodynamics. This revolutionary coupé weighed only 670 kg, a remarkable feat for the time, thanks to its aluminum body and innovative technical solutions.
Equipped with a 50-horsepower 848cc flat-twin engine, the 24 BT (for "Boîte Tout synchronisé") featured 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, demonstrating the genius of Panhard engineering.
Commercially, the 24 was a success based on esteem rather than commercial success, with around 28,000 units produced until 1967. Its atypical positioning between economy and sportiness attracted a clientele of insiders, aware of its exceptional technical qualities.
Panhard: The Legacy of a Pioneer
Founded in 1891 by René Panhard and Émile Levassor , the Panhard brand established itself from the very beginning as a pioneer of the French automobile industry. In the 1960s, when the 24 was created, Panhard was going through a transitional phase under the aegis of Citroën, which had taken control of the brand in 1955.
This period marked the end of an era for Panhard, which had shone with its innovations: the first manufacturer to adopt the front engine in 1895, a precursor to modern transmissions, and inventor of bold technical solutions. The 24 represented the swan song of this unique philosophy, combining a tradition of innovation with the economic constraints of the modern automotive industry.
The end of Panhard civilian car production in 1967 made the 24 the ultimate expression of the creative genius of this legendary brand, before its exclusive reconversion to military vehicles.
A Car of Visionaries
The history of the Panhard 24 is full of fascinating anecdotes that demonstrate its unique character in the French automotive landscape. Charles Deutsch , the creator of the famous DB (Deutsch-Bonnet), was one of the main architects of the development of this exceptional automobile. His expertise in aerodynamics, acquired in competition, is reflected in every line of the 24.
A particularly interesting anecdote concerns the fuel economy tests carried out by the specialist press of the time. In 1964, a journalist from L'Auto-Journal achieved the feat of traveling from Paris to Nice using only 32 liters of gasoline, representing a consumption of 3.5 liters per 100 km! This exceptional performance demonstrated the relevance of the Panhard philosophy, which prioritized efficiency over raw power.
The 24 also made its mark through its participation in endurance races, where it proved formidable against much more powerful opponents. 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 symbolized the French spirit of the 1960s: creative, bold, and refusing established conventions. It attracted a clientele of intellectuals, engineers, and artists who appreciated its originality and its exceptional dynamic qualities.
Complete Your Collection of French model cars
This Panhard 24 BT VEREM occupies a special place in the world of French model cars. It fits perfectly into collections dedicated to French model cars and ideally complements the other Panhard models available, including the legendary Panhard model cars from different eras.
Collectors with a passion for 1960s cars will find this miniature an ideal complement to their Citroën model cars from the same period. The 1:24 scale allows for a fine appreciation of the details of this very special body, while the VEREM finish guarantees a quality reproduction faithful to the original.
This miniature is aimed at both seasoned collectors and enthusiasts of French automotive history who want to own a testament to French ingenuity. It naturally finds its place alongside other iconic miniature coupés and is an excellent starting point for exploring the fascinating world of classic model cars from this golden era of French motoring.
