THE AUTO BUILDER
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CAMARO JONES
George and Leslye Jones’ ’67 Camaro convertible is one of the finest examples ever to turn a wheel. Built by the crew from Greening Auto Company (and others), this is an effort worthy of pride and praise.
kickin’ it
Over the past 20 years custom truck interiors have taken on many forms, and like so much of the world today, prices and costs for these outlandish interiors have reached new heights in every way. Molded, flowing consoles, leather and killer stereos have taken front row in the world of custom interiors, and gone are the old, plain, painted panels. Going to the local upholstery shop can mean some serious change in today’s market, as the price of materials and the cost of labor have risen dramatically. But leave it to truck guys to study the art of interiors to help contain the cost of a new look, making effective use of options throughout the build of a classic or a more modern truck. While checking out some pictures on the Internet, we happened upon this at-home molded kick panel build that cost under $50!
MAINTAINING YOUR BATTERY
There is nothing more aggravating than having a dead battery, and it always occurs at the least opportune times. Our street rods are often stored or sit for periods of time. How many times have you decided the weather was perfect for an afternoon cruise and had a problem cranking the car?
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Engineering Meets Art
Dan Webb's 1926 Panhard Razor Remake Chassis
If you’re into the kind of machinery that makes your heart beat faster and your palms sweat, then Dan Webb’s reimagining of the 1926 Panhard Razor is something you need to see. The original was a marvel of interwar-era aerodynamics—a sleek, teardrop-shaped racing car designed for top-speed competition by Panhard et Levassor. Now, Webb, the man who blends old-school craftsmanship with modern engineering, is breathing new life into this legendary machine with a chassis that’s as much a work of art as it is a feat of engineering.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
The Spirit of the Razor
The original 1926 Panhard Razor was built for one thing—speed. With its streamlined body, aviation-inspired design, and lightweight construction, it was a rolling science experiment pushing the limits of its time. Dan Webb, a master of reinterpreting historic race cars with a modern twist, has taken up the challenge of recreating the Razor with a level of precision and ingenuity that’s nothing short of jaw-dropping.
Debut at the Grand National Roadster
The excitement reached fever pitch when the new chassis made its public debut at the 2025 Grand National Roadster. For the first time, enthusiasts and industry insiders got a glimpse of Webb’s modern marvel, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most talked-about projects in vintage racing circles. The Roadster show provided the perfect backdrop for unveiling a chassis that honors its storied past while embracing future-forward engineering.
The Chassis: A Masterpiece in Metal
Webb’s build starts with the foundation—an expertly crafted chassis that serves as the backbone for this modernized take on the Razor. Staying true to period aesthetics while incorporating modern machining techniques, Webb and his team have fabricated an exceptional framework engineered for both performance and authenticity.
A key feature of this build is the recreation of the Razor’s unique parallel leaf spring suspension system, running seamlessly within the frame rails. This setup not only maintains the low-slung stance of the original but also enhances its handling characteristics. When it comes to blending history with modern precision, few can execute like Webb.
Engineering a One-of-a-Kind Steering System
Then there’s the steering system—easily the most unique and talked-about element of the build. In the original Razor, the driver placed their legs through the oversized steering wheel, making it one of the most unusual designs ever seen in a race car. Webb, staying true to the spirit of the original, collaborated with experts to develop a steering system that redefines precision and innovation.
A 3D-printed mockup of the steering system was first created in Fusion, allowing for meticulous testing before committing to machined components. The system uses a roller pinion setup instead of a traditional spur geartrain, which minimizes gear lash and delivers ultra-smooth operation. To refine the steering geometry, a custom reducer gearbox was designed to mount the pinion system while directing the steering shaft at the optimal angle. The result? A perfectly engineered system that remains faithful to the original’s unconventional layout while delivering modern reliability.
Machining Perfection: The Details Matter
No project of this caliber would be complete without world-class machining, and Webb’s build is no exception. Starting with a cast Miller 91 center section, Mark Lingua precisely machined all internals and axles. The axle tubes and rear hubs were then crafted by Mike Curtis of Curtis Speed, ensuring both strength and period-correct aesthetics.
The wheels, a defining feature of any vintage race car, were meticulously recreated to match the original Razor’s design. Mike Curtis again stepped up to the challenge, machining custom wheels and hubs that capture the look and feel of the 1926 originals while offering the precision of modern manufacturing.
A Collaboration of Masters
Webb’s projects are never a one-man show, and this Razor remake is no exception. The build has brought together some of the best talents in the industry, each contributing their expertise to bring this legend back to life. Craig Naff has fabricated custom copper tanks to complement a V-shaped, chevron-pattern radiator core by Brassworks. Chris Schlaff, a true artist in his own right, has created bespoke, one-off gauges to perfectly pair with the machined steering system. Every component, down to the smallest detail, has been handcrafted with purpose and precision.
The Future of the Razor
While the build is still in progress, anticipation is high. The debut at the 2025 Grand National Roadster not only marked the first public viewing of this extraordinary chassis but also set the stage for its eventual transformation into a full-scale racing legend. This project isn’t just about recreating a historic car—it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible when vintage inspiration meets modern-day craftsmanship.
Once finished, this machine is sure to take the automotive world by storm, just like the original did nearly a century ago. We can’t wait to see it in action.
The Razor’s Edge: Panhard’s Historic Leap Into Speed
The 1926 Panhard Razor Blade—affectionately dubbed the “Lame de Rasoir”—stands as a striking chapter in automotive lore. Crafted by the visionary French automaker Panhard, this machine wasn’t built merely to traverse roads; it was engineered to shatter speed records. Its body, a masterful blend of polished aluminum and steel, hugged the contours of aerodynamic efficiency in a way that was nothing short of revolutionary for its era. Under the hood, a 1500cc engine powered this record-breaker to heights that once existed only in dreams.
Two versions of the Razor Blade were born, each meticulously designed for distinct racing classes. Beyond its raw speed, what truly set this car apart was its innovative engineering; the design itself was a calculated assault on air resistance. Tragically, one of the two cars met its fate in a fatal crash at Brooklands, the legendary racing circuit in England—a stark reminder of the perilous nature of pushing boundaries. Yet, the surviving model carried on, etching its legacy further into the annals of motor racing.
Today, the Razor Blade’s story serves as a powerful testament to the pioneering spirit of early 20th-century automotive engineering. It showcased the potential unleashed when lightweight materials and potent powertrains converged, a formula that not only broke records but also solidified Panhard’s reputation as an innovator. In its sleek lines and daring performances, the Razor Blade continues to inspire, embodying the relentless pursuit of speed and excellence that has propelled the automotive world forward for over a century.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Webb Automotive Art
Follow the build progress of the 1926 Panhard Razor REMAKE on Dan Webb's Instagram Page
