The conservation of an 1895 Panhard et Levassor and a 1922 prototype Austin seven motorcar: New approaches in the preservation of vehicles

Abstract

The preservation of historic motor vehicles has traditionally involved restoration more than conservation techniques with the aim of returning the object to ‘showroom’ condition with perfect paintwork, complete in every detail and, finally, in running order. The Science Museum has recently developed new approaches to the treatment of historical motor vehicles, moving away from the more traditional restorer's methods. This paper discusses the conservation work carried out recently on two of the most important motor cars in the collections of the Science Museum: the 1895 Panhard et Levassor and the 1922 Austin Seven prototype. Discussion on what is meant by ‘conservation’ and ‘restoration’, and how these terms were and are applied to historic vehicles, is given. The histories of the two cars are described briefly together with the background to the conservation of each one as these had a bearing on the final choice of treatment. A range of treatment options were considered and two, very different, conservation approaches were eventually adopted. The reasons why these treatments were finally chosen are presented along with the factors that affected the decisions taken. The paper concludes by reviewing the approaches taken.

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