Panther Cars
The original Panther Westwinds Company set itself up in 1972 in
sight of the famous Brooklands Race Course, and was the brainchild
of Robert Jankel who produced hand built sports cars to the highest
specification using modern principles of engineering and
performance but with the styling of a bygone era. Although the
Company has produced many cars in very limited numbers, the
mainstream production models are summarised below.
Panther Lima
The Panther Lima sports a 2.3 litre Vauxhall engine and mechanicals
with a glassfibre body, and was the first Panther produced in any
large volume. During its life, various chassis changes were made,
but the overall Lima styling remained the same. Mk1 Limas were
based on the Vauxhall Viva floor pan and Magnum running gear, with
Mk11's getting a stronger Panther made steel chassis and better
cosmetics. For an entry into Panther motoring, the lower prices for
the Mk1 Limas make them a real bargain. Good performance due to
light body / powerful engine.
Panther Kallista 1.6, 2.8, 2.8i, 2.9I (2.3 on the last Korean built
models)
The Panther Kallista was produced in the greatest numbers with an
aluminium body on a steel Panther chassis, choice of 1.6, 2.8 or
2.9 Ford engines in various guises, Ford running gear, a complete
range of paintwork options, and with a list of optional extras you
will find it hard to see any two models alike. Performance is very
good, with a 0-60 mph time of under 8 seconds for the larger
engined models. A culmination of performance and originality.
Panther Rio
Based on the Triumph Dolomite (or Dolomite Sprint in the case of
the Rio Especial) this Panther is about as exclusive as they come.
Made in very limited numbers, the car blends traditional English
styling with the modern image of the car. Fashioned with true
Panther care and craftmanship, they need to have been kept in
excellent condition to be seen at their best.
Panther J72
The J72 being the first production model, was influenced by the
style of the Jaguar SS100. Using a Jaguar engine and hand trimmed
with the finest Connolly hide, it won the Silver Medal for
coachwork at the 1973 London Motor Show, beating the Rolls Royce.
Various Jaguar engines in its lifetime with Jaguar running gear.
Commands fairly hefty prices for a good condition model.
Panther DeVille
The Panther De Ville, once described as the 'Worlds most exclusive
car' with only a handful produced is the Rolls Royce of the
Panthers with its Jaguar V12 engine and Bugatti styling. Owned by
rock stars such as Elton John, prices in its heyday went up to a
staggering £100,000 !! Now, if you can find one on the market, a
more realistic price of £25-40,000 is possible. Still an awful lot
of money, but very exclusive !! Recent upsurge in interest due to
the 101 Dalmations film which features Cruella in her Panther
DeVille.
Panther Solo
Panthers costly entry into the performance car market that for many
reasons never quite lived up to expectations, with only a handful
being produced. Nevertheless. A mighty beast with supercar looks
and status, the Solo will always turn heads wherever it
appears.
From www.pantherclub.co.uk
