Throughout its history the Panhard has been subject to change and alterations by its owners.  Significant changes were made to the Panhard before it was gifted to the Norwich Museum Service. For example, the replacement of the hot tube ignition with a magneto which improved performance.  Other changes such as the switch to the Belsize radiator during its time with Dawson did nothing but detract from its appearance.  

As the car became a static display following its donation to the Museum Service little by way of maintenance was needed. The restoration generously carried out by the Rolls Royce apprentices in 1966 returned the car to working order.  But little use was made of the car following the restoration and it remained a static display. However, following its appearance at the ceremony for the opening of the bridge at Castle Mound in 1992 the Museum Service decided to invest in an overhaul of the car so that it could be entered for the London to Brighton Run in 1994.

In 1993, a veteran car restorer was commissioned to do some work on the car to bring it up to a basic standard, so that it could be operated. Significantly, the magneto was replaced with the trembler coil system at that point. Subsequently, Team Panhard was formed in 1995 and its members have kept the car in working order to the present day. 

The Team is now working to maintain the car in a way that is sympathetic to its original appearance, working alongside and with the support of conservation and curatorial staff at the Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse. Over the years they have undertaken major projects to replace parts or improve the running of the car.  

Fortunately, we have access to a local company with 3D scanning capabilities which has facilitated the making of spare parts.  Modifications have been necessary from time to time to improve the running of the car.  For example, when the time came to replace the leaking Belsize radiator, the Team considered the option of returning to a rear mounted radiator but decided that a front mounted replica of the radiator introduced on other Panhard cars of that time would be more efficient. 

We are willing to help fellow Panhard and other veteran car owners by advising on how we have overcome engineering problems in the past.  Equally, we are keen to hear of your own experiences and solutions. 

Some of the projects the Team has carried out on the car can be accessed using the buttons above. We will be adding to this material over time. 

The engine stripped down for maintenance