Lot 864A: 1973 Panther J72 Roadster

Founded by engineer Bob Jankel in 1971, Panther West Winds Limited rose to public prominence by hand building expensive, high quality, retro-styled luxury sportscars using modern components. The firm’s first volume-selling car, the Lima, appeared in 1976, but before then the formula combining modern engineering and performance with bygone-era styling had been established by the J72. Built between 1972 and 1980, the latter was Panther’s first production model and owed its inspiration to the SS100 Jaguar. Such was the superb quality of its construction that the J72 won the Silver Medal for coachwork at the 1973 London Motor Show, beating the likes of Rolls-Royce. Running gear was mainly Jaguar, there being a choice of XK six-cylinder or V12 engines, with automatic transmission the norm on later models. By the time production ceased just 300 J72s had been made, though the model was re-launched as the Brooklands after Panther’s take-over by Jindo Industries of Korea.

Panther J72 left-hand drive chassis number ‘S153L’ is equipped with the 4.2-liter version of the Jaguar XK ‘six’ and four-speed manual transmission. Finished in Shadow Blue metallic with tan leather interior, it is original and unrestored. A craftsman-built British sportscar embodying all the style of a post-vintage thoroughbred yet easier to drive and maintain.

Proceeds from the sale of this lot go to the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Without Reserve