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Panhard PL 17 1960: French Elegance in Miniature

This 1960 Panhard PL 17 miniature in its magnificent cream color captures the essence of the French automobile of the 1960s. Reproduced with meticulous care at a scale of 1:43, this collector's item perfectly embodies the innovative spirit and understated elegance that characterized the creations of the brand with the blue diamond.

A true collector's item for French car enthusiasts, this miniature naturally finds its place in any collection dedicated to classic model cars from 1950-1979 or vintage sedan model cars .

Miniature Features

  • Model: Panhard PL 17
  • Brand: Panhard
  • Year: 1960
  • Scale: 1/43rd
  • Color: Cream/Beige
  • Protective case included: Yes

The Real Model: Innovation and Modernity

Launched in 1959, the Panhard PL 17 represented the culmination of Panhard's unique design philosophy. This compact saloon revolutionized the automotive codes of the time thanks to its ultra-lightweight monocoque body and air-cooled twin-cylinder engine, a daring technical configuration for a touring car.

The PL 17 was distinguished by its clean, modern lines , with its distinctive front end marked by headlights integrated into a horizontal grille. Its spacious and bright interior, made possible by large glass surfaces, offered remarkable comfort despite its contained exterior dimensions. This minimalist approach made it possible to achieve exceptionally low fuel consumption.

Commercially, the PL 17 was a critical success among a discerning clientele, particularly appealing to motorists seeking originality and economy. It perfectly embodied the French spirit of alternative automotive engineering.

Panhard: A Century of Automotive Innovation

In 1960, Panhard still enjoyed a reputation as a pioneer in the French automotive industry. Founded in 1891 by René Panhard and Émile Levassor, the brand had forged a unique identity around innovative technical solutions that were often ahead of their time. In the 1950s and 1960s, Panhard continued its quest for originality with models such as the Dyna Z and then the PL 17.

This period marked Panhard's creative peak before its gradual takeover by Citroën. The brand retained its independent design office and creative freedom, which explains the technical audacity of models like the PL 17. The company cultivated an image as a manufacturer for connoisseurs, favoring innovation over mass production.

Panhard's technical heritage, particularly in the areas of air-cooled engines and lightweight construction, had a lasting influence on the French and European automobile industry, foreshadowing certain modern directions towards energy efficiency.

Anecdote: The Car of Parisian Intellectuals

The Panhard PL 17 quickly became the car of choice for Parisian intellectuals in the 1960s. In the cafés of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, owning a PL 17 was a sign of distinction and unabashed nonconformity. Unlike the Dauphine or 2CV, which represented the democratization of the automobile, the Panhard attracted those who advocated a different approach to mobility.

Jean-Paul Sartre himself was spotted driving a white PL 17, helping to forge the intellectual reputation of this atypical automobile. The car perfectly embodied the spirit of the "Thirty Glorious Years" : technological optimism, the search for originality, and confidence in French engineering.

This particular clientele partly explains why the PL 17 made a greater impression than its sales figures might suggest. It became a cultural symbol of its time, representing a certain French idea of the intelligent and different automobile.

Even today, collectors particularly seek out preserved examples of this unique sedan, a testament to an era when the French automobile industry still dared to offer creative alternatives to conventional solutions.

Complete Your Collection of French model cars

This Panhard PL 17 naturally finds its place alongside other icons of French motoring from the 1960s. It harmonizes perfectly with the Citroën DS model cars of the same era, creating a collection representative of French innovation of the time.

Collectors with a passion for 1960s model cars will particularly appreciate this rare model, which is the perfect addition to any collection dedicated to French model cars . Its relative rarity makes it a choice item for any enthusiast of exceptional automobiles.

This miniature will appeal to both experienced collectors looking for original models and automotive history enthusiasts looking to own a faithful example of alternative French engineering. It also provides an excellent starting point for discovering the fascinating world of retro model cars and developing a passion for these witnesses to our automotive heritage.

Même origine : française

Frequently Asked Questions

How to understand the scales of miniatures?

Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.

Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.

What scales are available?

Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.

The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).

Does the model car come with protection?

Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.

How is my package protected during transport?

We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.

What is the delivery time?

In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.

The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?

It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.

What our customers say

Customer feedback and testimonials

Jacques Vérifié
Very good listening to resolve a...
Very good listening to resolve a delivery date issue. Always a lot of care for packaging. The received miniatures are in every respect in accordance with the description. To be renewed as soon as possible.
il y a 11 heures
Eric Rollet Vérifié
Top-notch 👍, I really recommend this site
Speed and care in the packaging, well done
il y a 4 jours
Jean pierre Claes Vérifié
The Great Professionalism
Bernard Miniature is the showcase of the cars from my childhood and still feeds my displays today with much nostalgia.
il y a 5 jours
challoit Vérifié
I was very happy with my last...
I was very happy with my last order just like all the others it arrived in good overall condition and was well packed thank you again
il y a 5 jours
docteurthanouorange.fr Vérifié
Very serious person and fast shipping...
Very serious person and fast shipping, product conforms.
il y a 5 jours
Eric Vérifié
New Models
New models, safe and fast delivery. I recommend
il y a 5 jours
Alexandre Vérifié
In TOTAL trust!
Object as described. Careful and fast shipping. Excellent communication. Very attractive prices. What more could you ask for!
il y a 6 jours
Jérome BLONDIAUX Vérifié
Excellent models and excellent care...
Excellent models and excellent care taken with the package
il y a 6 jours
Cyril Kulaga Vérifié
Fast shipping and super protected packages.
il y a 1 semaine
Thierry Desclaux Vérifié
I highly recommend
First order. Items as described. Fast delivery. Careful packaging. Not to mention the handwritten thank you note. I highly recommend.
il y a 1 semaine
Cagad Hinu Vérifié
Perfect
Very good with fast delivery Perfect packaging Important, varied and regularly renewed selection Very reasonable price All is well!
il y a 1 semaine
Marc Vincent Vérifié
Quality models and very well protected shipments...
Quality models and very well protected shipments for a very reasonable price.
il y a 1 semaine