A basic guide on how to drive a 1904 Panhard Levassor

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On a cold dark Sunday morning in November, the annual veterans car meeting in central London is always a beautiful sight. 
One of the participating cars in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is an impressive 1904 Panhard Levassor, owned by Robert Vincent. Your editor went to take a look at the car to see how it drives. The car is in excellent restored condition and has been in Robert's possession for 25 years. The car itself has taken part in every London to Brighton run over the past 60 years.

Modern for a veteran car

The controls and layout are surprisingly modern for a vintage car - the clutch, brake and accelerator pedals are in the 'modern' positions and there is a four-speed gearbox with reverse. To avoid waving the starter lever around, a modern starter motor is fitted, so to start the engine you just switch on the magneto and press the brass starter button.

The Engine

The engine is a 3800cc four cylinder with 15hp and has a total-loss oil system, so an oil filter feeds the crankshaft and camshaft with oil.  The engine starts at the push of a button and runs nicely at idle with its assortment of pulleys and chains running in perfect harmony. 
The lubricating caps need to be turned occasionally to keep the engine and suspension parts lubricated.
The brakes work on the rear wheel and transmission and are fully "adequate", while the rear wheels are driven by a chain. Cruising speed is about 30mph and top speed 50mph.  There can be few vintage cars that can carry five people in such style and comfort.

Video by Gasolini

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