The first car in Debenham, initialy thought to be a Wolsey, but is actually a Panhard et Levassor., E.W.List, Altha Laura List, Altha Laura Ford, Florrie List, Deben House in Chancery Lane.
Date: 1899



Photo Number 2637 first_car_wolsey_1899_torn.jpg and first_car_wolsey_1899_clean.jpg

Donated by Betty Connors

The original data for this car may be in error. We have since discovered from his grandson that E.W.List is driving, his wife ( Altha Laura nee Ford ) with his eldest daughter Florrie (born 1897). The front passenger was likely the maid / housekeeper. All this would date it between 1910 and 1912. Wolsley cars of that period had a brass radiator. The Panhard et Levassor club have confirmed that it is in fact a Model M4F 12CV Panhard et Levassor that was built between 1897 and 1902. It has a 4 Cylinder Daimler patent engine of 3296cc and was registered with the Ministry of Mines B1/132. There is a similar car on show at the Rural Life Museum, Gressenhall, Norfolk (http://www.teampanhard.org/)

Email us for an electronic copy

Email if you can tell us about this photo