A true ‘veteran’ of the annual pilgrimage from the capital to Brighton celebrating the pioneering days of
motoring, this Panhard was a competitor in the first commemorative run – then known as the ‘Old Crocks
Race’ in 1927 and has taken part in over 60 runs since.
One of only five known surviving 1901 7hp examples, the Panhard was first commissioned by Belgian
Chevalier, René de Knyff, pioneer racing driver and Panhard director who was also the President of the
Commission Sportive International, now known as the FIA.
Made to the Chevalier’s exacting specification, the light tourer featured coachwork by Rothschild et Fils, one
of Paris’ finest coachbuilders, with an enamelled tonneau body, finished in a striking Cambridge Blue with
contrasting scarlet wheels and scarlet (hunting coat) cloth upholstery and highly polished brass fittings.
Shortly after this car’s completion, it caught the eye of a British enthusiast, Leslie Bucknall, who finally
persuaded a reluctant de Knyff to part with it, after some negotiation and, according to witnesses, the
payment of well beyond the normal asking price. The Panhard was brought to the UK, where it was given the
name ‘Le Papillon Blue’ or ‘Blue Butterfly’ by Bucknall’s young daughter Vivienne.
Although Bucknall is believed to have sold the Panhard after a short time, it has remained in the UK ever
since, with subsequent owners, including the former Veteran Car Club President Tom Lightfoot, piloting ‘Le
Papillon Bleu’ over the 60-mile route from London to Brighton.
Owned for the last 27 years by the current vendor, who has completed 25 runs, ‘Le Papillon Bleu’ won the
event’s Concours d’Elegance award in 2016 as ‘the car which most embodies the spirit of the veteran era’
when it was displayed in that year’s Regent Street Motor Show.
‘Le Papillon Blue’, estimate £200,000 – 250,000, will be one of the first lots to go under the hammer when
the Bonhams Motor Car Sale starts at 6pm on Friday 1 November. Freshly serviced by specialist NP Veteran
Engineering, this motor car is ready to tackle this year’s run with its new owner.
Further notable lots include:
1900 M.M.C. Tourer, estimate £220,000 – 260,000
An example of a rare and short-lived British marque, produced at the height of its success. Powered by a
1,527cc Daimler engine, the Tourer has participated in numerous Runs from the 1930s to the present day and
also has an entry into this year’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
Another entrant into this year’s Run is a 1903 Oldsmobile Model R ‘Curved Dash’ Runabout. Used as a
taxi by its first owner, the Oldsmobile has optional rearward-facing seating for two extra passengers.
Estimate £38,000 – 42,000.
1899 Peugeot 2¼ hp Tricycle, estimate £40,000 – 60,000
A rare early tricycle with original Peugeot two-speed gearbox and single-cylinder De Dion engine. Recently
restored by Gilbert Warning, this veteran is also eligible for De Dion Tricycle events.
All lots will be available to view on Thursday 31 October and on Friday 1 November. The Bonhams London to
Brighton Sale also includes an auction of related automobilia which begins at 4pm on Friday (motor cars from
6pm).
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