Pick of the Day: 1955 Panhard Dyna Z

car history Many ugly cars were produced. While styling and design are subjective, sometimes we have to look beyond the surface to discover engineering solutions that may be superior to the ones that failed us. Our Daily Pick is one of those vehicles: a 1955 Panhard Dyna Z. It is listed on ClassicCars.com for sale by a private seller in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. (Click the link to see the list.)

There was a book I read as a kid called “Cars of the Fifties and Sixties” by Michael Sedgwick. What fascinates me the most is not the finned flyers I want to see, but the strange cars from Europe. Many of these cars have become mainstream in the American auction scene, such as the Amphicar and Messerschmitt, but the Panhard Dyna remains a curiosity.

The Panhard probably resonates most with American enthusiasts because of its Panhard rods, but the company built cars that spanned several different categories. Most likely an iteration of the luxurious Panhard Dynamic from the 1930s, with its excessive Art Deco accoutrements, integrated headlights (rather unusual for 1936), monocoque construction, and Streamlined and modern style, might raise some eyebrows, but the company’s postwar output tended not to raise the eyebrows of Americans. Of course, in 1940, France found itself in trouble and the Powertrain raised the white flag.

After the war, as part of the restructuring of the auto industry, Panhard produced a more commercial car called the Dyna X, which was noted for its front-wheel drive, use of aluminum, and air-cooled boxer twin engine. However, the 1954 Dyna Z took this concept to another level with its streamlined design and unusual central fog lights. Weight was 1,500-1,800 pounds, depending on aluminum content (early cars used more aluminum until its cost advantage dropped to the point of impracticality). Transverse leaf springs on the front and rear torsion bars allow the Dyna Z to carry six people comfortably. Is it any wonder that Citroën bought 25% of the shares in 1955?

The Dyna Z was replaced in 1959 by the facelifted PL 17, which was discontinued in 1965 when Citroën completely absorbed the company, although the more modern-looking Panhard 24 was launched the previous year and lasted until 1967, during which time the Panhard Only military vehicles are produced.

This 1955 Panhard Dyna Z, known as the Z1, was one of the early cars produced with a high aluminum content until the cost of aluminum became an issue. Imported from Europe after restoration in 2017-18. Having had just two owners before the current seller, the car is finished in a yellow vanilla paint job with a gray interior. Power comes from a “LeMans” 950cc two-cylinder boxer engine with two plugs per cylinder and dual ignition. The horsepower is 70 horses, which is a big step up from the 40 horses of the original 851cc. Shifting is via a column-mounted four-speed manual gearbox.

The Panhard has a presence in the United States, but it is one of the less successful imports, with sales likely to be below 1,000 units in a few years. With interesting engineering, quirky styling and Club Citroën support, this $31,000 car is a unique collector’s item.

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