Panther (1924-1929)!924 saw the introduction of the first model carrying the name "Panther". After 1929 the marque "P&M" became known as "Panther". There were numerous variants to the Panther model in this period. |
1924 Panther 1924
saw the introduction of the ohv engine; a 498cc unit. This machine was
fitted with a P&M four-speed gearbox with hand-change and kick start
(both visible on tank in drawing). The diamond tank from the 1923 (3.5
h.p. and 4.5 h.p.?) models was used in 1924 and 1925 but replaced with
a saddle tank in 1926. The 1924 model also features dummy belt-rim brakes
both front and rear, to be replaced the following year by drum brakes.
The frame and mudguards would have been black with a duo-tone green tank.
I am grateful to |
1927 Panther
Drawing of an early Panther. This is a "Standard Panther" from 1927. |
1927 Panther Cub This
is a drawing of the somewhat stripped down model, the "Panther Cub" also
from 1927. Differences were principally wheels, forks and silencer and
accessories. |
1928 Panther (Model 1)  This
is a 1928 Panther, the model that developed in 1930, by way of various
changes in 1929 such as the teardrop tank, into the Model 50. 1928 was
the first year that P&M used model numbers and this was a Model 1.
This is the 1A variant, the "cheap", standard model: no steeringdamper,
electrics etc. The "A" suffix apparently denoted the twin-port head. The
sidecar is the P&M Schneider Trophy model which according to The
Book was offered from 1930 to 1932. Bike and sidecar are apparently
original and unrestored. (The saddle is not original; it should be a Lycett
aero and the exhaust is Velocette. Gas-lights have been replaced with period
electric lights). |
1928 Standard Panther (Model 2?)I believe that the Standard Panther was a model distinct from the basic Model 1. |
1928 ??? Panther (Model 3)1928 saw the introduction of a new 598cc (87mm x 100mm) sidecar machine, developed from a sports engine. There were many improvements. I believe that this is essentially the origin of the Model 100 engine - certainly the bore and stroke remain unchanged through to 1963. The Model 3 was retitled the Model 60 in 1929 |
1929 PantherA number of changes were made in 1929 to the Panther model. These included the introduction of the teardrop fueltank, an Amal carb in stead of Brown & Barlow, two piece steel primary chancase replaced the earlier semi-enclosed pressed steel one, deeper "C" semi-valanced mudguard, chromium instead of nickel handlebars, cables not run through handlebars and rear section of rear mudguard bolted on. |
Panther Model 60 (1929-1935)The Model 3 Panther, launched the previous year, was retitled the Model 60 in 1929. This model was available until 1935 and is the origin of the Model 100.
|
Panther Model 50 (1930-1935)There were several variants of the Model 50 between 1930 and 1935. All had the 498cc, 5.75:1 compression ratio, engine. 1930 to 1932 they were fitted with Sturmey Archer three speed gearboxes (with P&M box as an option; from 1933 to 1935 this was replaced by a Burman four speed gearbox. Various fuel tank designs were used as were forks (Webb on late models and Brampton, sometimes referred to as P&M Brampton, on earlier models) and seats (Lycett and Terry). The Model 50 ignition was by BTH magneto (except for Model 55 variant).
|
 This
is probably a P&M Panther Model 50 from 1931 or 1932. The tear-drop
tank, used in 1929 on the last of the Panther model, is typical of the
modern styling of this model. The chrome plating on the tank was an option
from 1931. |
| For more information visit Murray Barnard's Panther
Lair site where the 1931 sales brochure has plenty of details on both
the bike
(Model 55 variant) and the sidecar.
The name Model 50 was later reused for a two-stroke model. |
| Model 55 (1931 &?)
The Model 55 was an upmarket variant on the Model 50. It featured full electrics, including a Miller dynamo and coil ignition. Instruments were set into the fuel tank. More information can be found at Murray Barnard's Panther Lair where the 1931 sales brochure has plenty of details on the Model 55. |
| Model 80 |
This is
Mats Berglind's 1931 Model 60 before restoration.
