Panhard 24 History

Launched at a press event on 23 June 1963 and entering sales in 1964, the Panhard 24 was the marque's last passenger car and its most stylish. Designed by Louis Bionier, the low-slung 2+2 coupé broke decisively from the saloon-car tradition of the Dyna Z and PL 17, featuring a long hood, abbreviated tail, and a glassy greenhouse with slim pillars — proportions that would not look out of place on a small GT car from a much larger manufacturer.

Two initial versions were offered: the 24 C (42 hp, basic trim) and the 24 CT (50 hp Tigre engine, more luxurious). The C sold poorly and was discontinued after a year; the CT continued until the end. A longer-wheelbase 24 CL saloon variant arrived in 1965 as a four- or five-seat car on a stretched platform. All versions used the familiar 848 cc air-cooled flat-twin that had powered Panhard since the postwar years.

Production officially ended on 20 July 1967 after 26,962 total units across all 24 variants — a small number reflecting the marque's terminal decline under Citroën ownership. With the 24's end, Panhard exited civilian automobile manufacturing entirely and pivoted to armored military vehicles, a business it continues to this day.