This 1954 Panhard Junior (chassis 856250) is one of only just over 4,000 examples built between 1952 and 1956, and was extensively raced throughout the 80’s and 90’s. BaT regular Myron V. purchased the car 17 years ago, two years after its last race, and despite his best intentions has not had the opportunity to get it running again–understandable when you’re the steward of approximately half the other orphaned, odd-ball sports cars in the Midwest. It’s rust free and includes many parts that would allow its return to a more standard spec if so desired. Find it here on eBay in Akron, Ohio with reserve not met.
These cars were based on Dyna X frames, but with their own custom steel bodywork. This car has no sheet metal modifications, and the Brooklands screens and Recaro race seat it currently wears are joined in the sale by a factory windshield and frame, top frame, dash and gauges. It’s a neat looking little car, somewhat reminiscent of an early 356 Speedster from the rear. The black Ohio plate with 1954 markings is a nice touch, and we like how it sits behind a faired-in enclosure.
Behind rearward opening doors the interior has been largely stripped for competition use but seems quite solid if a bit dusty. We’d like to see the car make a return to a factory look, but would have no qualms about enjoying it and its rich race history as-is while waiting to locate all missing trim pieces. An SVRA logbook dating back to the early 80’s is included, and we’re sure it’d be a riot to race–or at least participate in as a moving chicane.
From what we gather these car’s frames may have been donated by the earlier Dyna X, but their engines came from the much more advanced and technically interesting Dyna Z model. At 851 CC, the little air-cooled, horizontally opposed twin uses roller main and big end rod bearings, hollow aluminum push rods with hardened steel tips, and other cool engineering details. Though not currently running, the engine turns fine and should deliver somewhere between 50 and 60 HP to the front wheels through a 4-speed manual once brought back to life. Brakes are functional, and an OEM fuel tank is included along with the fuel cell the car currently runs.
Whether it ends up recommissioned for competition, road, or a mix of both, the new owner is sure to have a lot of fun with this compelling little weirdo. Like all vintage French cars, it’s not for everyone, but we’re solidly in the appreciation camp if for the unusual but advanced engineering it contains alone.
