Charles Deutche and René Bonnet began racing specials in 1939 and quickly proved to be amongst the best builders in France with Panhard based GT and sports cars.

Their 500 was based around a modified Dyna Panhard flat twin engine which was mounted ahead of the front driven wheels. The engine's 10:1 compression developed 35 HP at 7,000 rpm. The chassis was box section with Panhard dual transverse springs for the front suspension and, at the rear, a pair of telescopic dampers acting on a solid axle. One of the faster drivers was Elie Bayol who went on to race in Formula 2 and 1 with OSCA and Gordini.

The DB was hampered by a relative lack of power compared with the JAP and Norton engines favoured by the English however, in the right hands and on the right circuit, it could be competitive. Deutche Bonnet were able to set a number of records at Montlhéry in October 1950 but these were short lived, while awaiting ratification, the Kieft team raised the bar only a month later.

At Rouen in 1952, driven by Rene Bonnet.  This is probably the French Grand Prix in July 1952 where Rene finished second to John Cooper.

Two DBs line up for the demonstration run at Montlhéry on 26th March 1950 Photo courtesy Alessandro Silva

If you own a D.B. or were involved at the time, please get in touch, we would very much like to publish more.

In action at Brands Hatch, driven by Francis Liagre. This is probably June 1951 where he finished a creditable fourth in his Heat for the International Trophy

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