Panhard & Levasser Type X81 Dynamic Sedan (1939)

1939 Panhard & Levasser Type X81 Dynamic Sedan. Made in France.

The Type X81 was produced from 1936 to 1940. During that period of time, a total of 2742 were produced. The Type X81 had a 2.8L, in-line 6-cylinder motor capable of 75HP. Top speed was 81 MPH.

Rene Panhard and Emile Lavasser began building cars in 1887. Panhard & Levasser were a very innovative company. They were the first to use a clutch pedal to operate a chain-driven gearbox and also to use front-mounted radiator. An 1895 Panhard et Levassor is credited with the first modern transmission. Until 1891, cars were all built as "one off" model. Panhard & Levasser were the first company to build four cars of the same model. They were the first company to put a steering wheel into a car. Until then, cars were steered by tillers. Panhard began to build more affordable cars after WWII. The company began to struggle and they were taken over by Citroën in 1965. Citroen cancelled production of Panhard cars two years later. The truck division of the company continued on until 2005.