Panhard et Levassor 6-hp Type A1 Double Phaeton With Canopy

This Panhard et Levassor has studded tires on the front wheels, intended to provide more grip on the uneven roads. However, in the plentiful horse droppings on the roads at the time, they actually had the opposite effect.

The coat of arms of the family that once owned this car can still be seen on the side of the front seat. This seat can be folded down partly sideways, providing access to the rear seat. The upholstery is made of pigskin. Remarkable details include the umbrella holder on the right rear fender and the so called mountain prop, a metal bar behind the right rear wheel that is lowered when the car is driving up a slope, in order to prevent it from rolling back. From the drivers seat all pivot points can be lubricated. Also note the radiator mounted at the rear, the canopy, and the particularly beautiful copper headlamps, which run on gas. Finally, there are the studded tires on the front wheels, intended to provide more grip on the uneven roads. Incidentally, in the then plentiful horse droppings on the road they actually have the opposite effect. Panhard & Levassor is one of the few car manufacturers that builds its own bodies. Usually this is done by a coachbuilder, while the car factory only makes the chassis with engine. Every Panhard & Levassor is also test driven for three days before it is delivered. For this purpose the factory employs a team of fourteen drivers.