LEVASSOR (Émile). - Lot 185

LEVASSOR (Émile). Marolles-en-Hurepoix, 1843–1897 French engineer, pioneer of the automotive industry, co-founder with René Panhard of the Panhard & Levassor brand, which spearheaded the first industrial developments in the automotive sector in France. Autograph letter signed “Levassor” to a correspondent Paris, 7 rue du Conservatoire, April 11, 1863 ½ page in-8. A short, very courteous letter in which Émile Levassor requests the rescheduling of an appointment originally set for “tomorrow at 4 o’clock,” asking his correspondent “to be so kind as to reschedule” it “for Monday at the same time.” He concludes with a heartfelt expression of gratitude: “You will be doing your most grateful servant an immense favor.” This letter dates from the early stages of Levassor’s career, after he trained at the École Centrale, prior to his pivotal partnership with René Panhard. Together, they would lay the foundations of the French automotive industry by developing the first mass-produced vehicles under the Panhard & Levassor brand. Their “PL” monogram would remain one of the major emblems of the automobile industry well into the 20th century. In good condition.