The red Panhard 24CT from 1964: an exceptional Solido model car
This red 1964 Panhard 24CT by Solido is a remarkable piece for any enthusiast of French model cars. A faithful reproduction of the brand's elegant chevron-print coupe, this model car perfectly captures the avant-garde spirit and technical sophistication that characterized Panhard production in the 1960s.
A true collector's item , this model car demonstrates Solido's expertise in reproducing iconic French automobiles, offering enthusiasts a tangible approach to France's automotive heritage.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Panhard 24CT
- Brand: Panhard
- Year: 1964
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Red
- Manufacturer: Solido
- Reference: 4567
- Protective case included: Yes
The history of the Panhard 24CT
Launched in 1963, the Panhard 24CT represented the culmination of the French brand's unique design philosophy. This elegant coupé was designed as a high-end response to the expectations of a demanding clientele seeking to combine road performance with aesthetic refinement. The 24CT stood out for its modern, aerodynamic design, the result of the work of coachbuilder Louis Bionier.
Under its hood, the 24CT housed the famous 850cc air-cooled flat-twin , Panhard's technical signature for decades. This original engine, developing 50 horsepower, allowed the coupé to reach 140 km/h while maintaining remarkably low fuel consumption. Transmission was entrusted to a 4-speed synchronized gearbox, guaranteeing a pleasant and sporty ride.
Commercially, the 24CT was a critical success among connoisseurs, even though its distribution remained confidential. Production continued until 1967, totaling approximately 23,000 units, making it a sought-after model today among collectors of exceptional French automobiles.
Panhard: a brand of French innovation
At the time of the 24CT's creation, Panhard still enjoyed a solid reputation in the French automotive landscape. Founded in 1891 by René Panhard and Émile Levassor, the brand had forged a unique identity around innovative and often avant-garde technical solutions. In the 1960s, Panhard cultivated its difference with its air-cooled twin-cylinder engines, a legacy of its collaboration with engineer Jean-Albert Grégoire.
This period, however, marked a crucial turning point for the French brand. Acquired by Citroën in 1965, Panhard gradually saw its civilian automotive activities reduced in favor of the development of military vehicles. The 24CT thus represented one of Panhard's final swansongs as an independent car manufacturer, carrying within it all the technical and aesthetic philosophy that had made the brand famous for more than seven decades.
A movie star in spite of herself
The Panhard 24CT achieved unexpected fame thanks to the French cinema. In 1964, the year of its launch, it was chosen to play the role of the main character in Philippe de Broca's film "Un monsieur de compagnie," alongside Jean-Pierre Cassel and Catherine Deneuve. This cinematic appearance greatly contributed to establishing the elegant and sophisticated image of the Panhard coupé.
Even more surprisingly, the 24CT quickly became the emblem of a certain Parisian avant-garde of the 1960s. Journalists, architects, and fashion designers massively adopted this atypical coupé, seduced by its technical originality and its resolutely modern aesthetic. This bohemian and intellectual clientele saw in the Panhard a refined alternative to the more conventional productions of the time.
A little-known fact: the 24CT was also one of the first French cars to offer a particularly efficient heating system as standard, using heat from the air-cooled engine. This innovation, born out of technical necessity, proved to be a powerful selling point during harsh winters, particularly the one in 1963, which was particularly notable for its exceptional severity.
Finally, the 24CT made its mark on French automotive history with its discreet but notable participation in the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally . Although it did not win any notable classification, it impressed observers with its reliability and road holding, demonstrating that technical originality could perfectly accommodate the demands of motor sport.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This red Panhard 24CT fits perfectly into the world of French model cars and naturally finds its place alongside other iconic models from our automotive heritage. It is the perfect addition to a collection focused on French model cars from the 1960s, a period of great creativity and innovation for the French industry.
Collectors with a passion for classic model cars from 1950 to 1979 will particularly appreciate this Solido reproduction for its faithfulness and attention to detail. It harmonizes perfectly with other models from the same era, notably Citroën productions that would soon share the same industrial group, or even contemporary Renault creations.
This model car will also appeal to fans of model car coupes with its elegant design and relative rarity. It is an excellent starting point for exploring the world of Solido model cars , a French brand renowned for the quality of its reproductions. 1960s car enthusiasts will find here an authentic testament to the ingenuity and refinement that characterized this exceptional automotive decade.
