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Panther J72

The Panther J72 is a two-door convertible automobile produced by the British manufacturer from 1972 to 1981. Styled as a modern homage to the pre-war SS100, it featured hand-beaten aluminum body panels over a tubular steel chassis, Jaguar XJ6 mechanical components including power-assisted steering, and premium interiors. Approximately 380 units were built, making it a rare example of the 1970s neo-classic car trend that blended vintage aesthetics with contemporary engineering. Designed by entrepreneur Robert Jankel—who founded after leaving his family's fashion business—the J72 debuted at the 1972 British International Motor Show and entered production the following year as the company's first model. It was powered by inline-six engines of 3.8 liters (initially) or 4.2 liters (producing 190 horsepower), with a 5.3-liter V12 option introduced in 1974 for enhanced performance, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and top speeds exceeding 140 mph. Transmission was a four-speed manual, paired with and coil-spring (upgraded to front from 1977), contributing to its agile handling despite the retro design. Priced at £5,285 for the six-cylinder version in —over twice the cost of a contemporary —the J72 targeted affluent buyers seeking exclusivity and craftsmanship, though its high cost limited sales amid the era's economic challenges. The car's superior build quality, including a hand-finished process and detailed instrumentation borrowed from , earned praise from reviewers, positioning it as a alternative to mass-produced sports cars. Production ceased in 1981 as Panther shifted focus to other models like the De Ville and , but the J72 remains celebrated today for its elegant lines and celebrity associations, including ownership by figures such as .

Development

Origins

Panther Westwinds Ltd. was founded in 1971 by in , , initially operating from a garage in with a focus on restoring classic cars such as Rolls-Royce models. , born in 1938 in , had studied engineering at Chelsea College of Science and Technology and developed a lifelong passion for automobiles from an early age, building his first car at 16 and restoring vehicles like Austin 7s and pre-war Jaguars. After joining his family's fashion business, Goldenfelds, post-graduation, he sold his shareholding in 1971 to finance the new venture, drawing on his expertise in automotive restoration and design to create vehicles that merged historical styling with contemporary reliability. The Panther J72 emerged as the company's inaugural production model, conceptualized by to revive the elegance of pre-war British sports cars using modern engineering principles. Inspired directly by the 1936 SS100, a two-seat from S.S. Cars Limited (predecessor to ), the J72 sought to replicate its sweeping lines and graceful proportions while incorporating reliable components from contemporary vehicles to ensure performance and drivability. This neo-classic approach reflected Jankel's vision of crafting hand-built luxury roadsters that honored automotive heritage without sacrificing modern usability. The J72 prototype was unveiled in February 1972 at the British International Motor Show in , marking ' entry into bespoke vehicle production and targeting affluent buyers seeking exclusive, characterful alternatives to standard sports cars. Jankel's background in and informed the project's emphasis on high-quality craftsmanship, assembled by skilled ex-Rolls-Royce artisans, positioning the J72 as an ultra-exclusive offering for discerning enthusiasts.

Design process

The Panther J72's exterior styling was crafted as a direct homage to the pre-war SS100, featuring a long hood, short deck, distinctive running boards, and flowing fenders to evoke the neoclassic aesthetic of British sports cars. Chrome accents adorned the grille, bumpers, and trim, while 15-inch wire wheels with knock-off hubs completed the period-inspired look, all applied to a hand-beaten aluminum body for lightweight elegance and corrosion resistance. Inside, the J72 emphasized luxury through upholstery on bucket seats and door panels, complemented by burr-walnut veneers on the double-humped dashboard and console, creating a refined reminiscent of high-end coachbuilt vehicles. These hand-crafted elements were produced by a team of skilled artisans, many former Rolls-Royce craftsmen specializing in panel beating, fabrication, and trimming, ensuring meticulous attention to detail in every interior component. Wool carpets and optional air conditioning further enhanced the opulent feel. Engineering choices centered on a adapted from components, with a tubular steel incorporating XJ6 mechanical components, including a layout with axles, coil springs, and rods (upgraded to independent front in 1977), offering improved rigidity and handling over the original SS100's setup. Burman power-assisted provided precise control. The body's proportions prioritized aerodynamic flow and visual balance, with a of 109.1 inches, overall of 160 inches, width of 65.5 inches, and of 53 inches, resulting in a low-slung profile that aided stability without compromising the classic silhouette.

Production

Manufacturing

The Panther J72 was assembled at the Panther Westwinds facilities in , , , where the company specialized in low-volume, hand-built luxury vehicles. Chassis components were supplied by specialist fabricator Geoff Jago, incorporating a beam front and a Salisbury live rear derived from designs, while engines and gearboxes were sourced from Forward Engineering in . The coachwork featured a hand-built aluminum body constructed over a tubular using traditional techniques, including panel beating and fabrication by skilled artisans, many of whom were former Rolls-Royce craftsmen. This labor-intensive process contributed to the vehicle's curb weight of approximately 2,778 pounds (1,260 kg), emphasizing performance and elegance in the neoclassic style. The aluminum were riveted and finished with multiple layers of paint applied over weeks to achieve a superior surface quality. Quality control was integral to the bespoke production, with each J72 undergoing meticulous hand-finishing to ensure precision and durability. Customization options allowed buyers to select engine variants, interior configurations, and detailing, incorporating premium materials such as for the hand-stitched upholstery and burr-walnut veneers. An ash wood floor assembly added to the artisanal interior, reflecting the company's commitment to high-end craftsmanship comparable to established marques.

Sales and distribution

The Panther J72 entered production in and continued until , with a total of approximately 370 to 380 units manufactured, positioning it as an exclusive low-volume . Some records indicate limited assembly extended into 1986. At its debut in late for the 1973 model year, the base model with the 4.2-liter inline-six engine carried a price of £5,285, comparable to high-end British grand tourers like the V8. The optional 5.3-liter V12 powertrain, introduced as an upgrade following positive reception at motor shows, significantly increased the cost beyond the base figure. Sales were handled mainly through specialized dealerships in the , though the model saw exports to the and select European markets, including left-hand-drive configurations for continental buyers. The J72 earned a for its Connolly leather-trimmed coachwork at the 1973 Motor Show, surpassing entries from Rolls-Royce; the V12 variant, introduced in 1974, gained further prominence. Limited output stemmed from the labor-intensive hand-assembly process at ' small facility, compounded by the 1970s oil crises that dampened demand for fuel-thirsty luxury vehicles, and its targeted appeal to wealthy enthusiasts and high-profile collectors rather than mass-market consumers.

Technical specifications

Body and chassis

The Panther J72 featured a custom box-section steel ladder that incorporated Jaguar-sourced components for key mechanical systems, including and braking, to ensure compatibility with the vehicle's luxury configuration. The body was constructed using hand-formed aluminum panels mounted over the , a that enhanced corrosion resistance and contributed to the overall design weighing approximately 1,136 kg (2,504 lb). This aluminum coachwork, crafted by skilled artisans, allowed for the elegant, pre-war-inspired proportions while maintaining modern build quality. Key dimensions included a wheelbase of 109.1 inches (2,770 mm), which supported the compact yet stable footprint of the two-door roadster, measuring 160 inches (4,064 mm) in length, 65.5 inches (1,664 mm) in width, and 53 inches (1,346 mm) in height. These proportions, combined with the chassis design, facilitated agile handling suitable for a grand touring vehicle. Suspension featured independent front suspension in later models (from 1977), drawing from Jaguar XJ adaptations with wishbones, coil springs, and anti-roll bars up front, paired with a live rear axle setup featuring trailing arms, transverse links, and coil springs for a blend of ride comfort and responsive cornering. Brakes consisted of servo-assisted disc units all around, with 11-inch (279 mm) front rotors and slightly larger 11.4-inch (290 mm) rears, providing effective stopping power for the era. Early production examples from 1972 to 1976 employed a beam front axle with coil springs and Panhard rods, but this was updated to independent front suspension by 1977 to improve handling dynamics.

Powertrain

The Panther J72 employed Jaguar-derived powertrains, with standard engine options consisting of the 3.8-liter or 4.2-liter inline-six cylinder units, delivering 190 horsepower. An optional 5.3-liter , producing approximately 270 horsepower, became available from 1974 onward, enhancing performance for buyers seeking greater power. These engines were carbureted, with the inline-six featuring dual units and the V12 using six dual-throat carburetors for refined delivery. Transmission choices included a Jaguar-sourced four-speed with or a three-speed Borg-Warner automatic, both paired with a rear-wheel-drive configuration. The forward-mounted engine connected via a propshaft to a rear , promoting smooth and progressive power application characteristic of Jaguar's engineering. Performance varied by engine and transmission: the 4.2-liter inline-six achieved 0-60 in approximately 6.5 seconds and a top speed of around 115 , while the V12 variant improved to 5.7 seconds and over 140 . Fuel economy ranged from 11 to 20 (U.S.), with the V12 typically at the lower end due to its higher output and thirstier disposition.

Legacy

Reception

Upon its debut at the 1972 Motor Show, the Panther J72 generated significant excitement among attendees and press, marking the entry of Robert Jankel's into the neo-classic coachbuilding niche. By the end of 1973, the model had received positive coverage in and automotive publications, with reviewers highlighting its exceptional build quality and elegant execution as a modern homage to pre-war designs. Contemporary tests praised the J72's hand-beaten aluminum bodywork, superior paint finishes, and luxurious interiors, often comparing its craftsmanship favorably to that of Rolls-Royce and while noting its driving dynamics as more refined and capable than typical replicas of the era. Publications like Autocar commended its smooth Jaguar-sourced power delivery and composed road manners, positioning it as a cruiser superior to contemporaries in elegance and mechanical reliability. Critics, however, pointed to the J72's high cost—starting at around £5,285 for the six-cylinder version and rising to £9,745 for the V12 by 1974—as a barrier to broader appeal, especially amid the 1970s oil crisis and concerns. The two-seat roadster's limited practicality, including wind buffeting with the top down and less sophisticated handling on uneven surfaces, was also noted as a drawback for everyday use. It also won a for coachwork at the 1973 London Motor Show, outperforming entries from Rolls-Royce. This debut success helped establish the company as a key player in the neo-classic movement, attracting steady orders despite the .

Collectibility

The Panther J72 has garnered significant interest among collectors due to its association with high-profile owners, including actress , who was the first owner of a 1970s example, frontman , and comedian . This celebrity provenance enhances the model's desirability in the modern market, where such documented histories often elevate bids and private sale premiums. In contemporary auctions as of November 2025, the J72's rarity—stemming from its limited production run of approximately 378 units—drives values typically between $20,000 and $50,000, with well-preserved, low-mileage examples fetching the upper end of this range. Preservation efforts are supported by enthusiast organizations such as the Panther Car Club, founded in 1980 and active in hosting events like the Lancaster Classic in November 2025, which facilitate maintenance advice, parts sharing, and restoration projects. However, owners face challenges with parts availability, as the J72 relies heavily on components sourced from , complicating long-term upkeep for this hand-built neo-classic. The J72's cultural legacy endures as a symbol of British automotive eccentricity, as well as in automotive literature and club events that celebrate its retro-inspired design.

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