1898 Panhard-Levassor 2-Seater 8hp

1898 Panhard-Levassor 2-Seater 8hp 'Paris-Amsterdam' Racing Car

In the 1890s automotion was just getting started and many of the equipment we take for granted today were yet to be invented. Two of the pioneers were Rene Panhard and Emile Levassor who started developing their own car in 1896. In 1898 they were the first to start series production of a motorcar.

One of the first car races, Paris-Amsterdam-Paris, was held in that same year and Panhard et Levassor entered three cars. The racers were equipped with some ground breaking novelties like a steering wheel and pneumatic tires. The straight four engine produced 8 hp and after being equipped with electronic ingnition the output grew to 18 hp. The race was won by team leader Fernand Charron.

Descriptions & pictures by ultimatecarpage & Flickr & Other