1954 Devin Panhard

Number 118 Devin-Panhard was one of Bill Devin's earliest models utilizing many of the parts of a Panhard Junior Roadster. Bill Devin created the Panhard as a true small bore race car of only 750cc. He produced approximately 12 racers altogether. Only three are known to still be racing.

The Devin-Panhard marked X87 was originally bought by Bob Baird of Monterey, California, with no paint or safety equipment. Bob owned it for only 2 years but made quite a reputation for Devin race cars. Bob's friend and driver was Jean-Pierra (JP) Kunstle, who also drove in such racing events as the 12 Hours of Sebring. Jean-Pierra (John to his friends) was from Switzerland, so they painted the Devin red with white stripes to represent his homeland's flag. Those colors stayed with the Devin-Panhard throughout its racing career.

#118 Devin-Panhard had won many races both in HM and G, but its most memorable race came in May of 1955. The race was at Minter Field in Bakersfield, CA and the Devin was entered in the SCCA class race of 1300-2000 production and 750-1500 modified sports cars. JP finished 1st in class and 2nd overall to Marion Playan in an MG Special. Most historically, however, was that he finished right in front of James Dean, the actor in his Porsche Speedster. Dean had his best finish, 1st in class, of his own short racing history.

The car was then sold and spent its next 28 years in Wisconsin, competing in many SCCA events and hill climbs. In 1984 Devin-Panhard came back to California and has been in the current ownership ever since, still competing.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2009