Panther Westwinds Car Reviews and Road Tests

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Panther Westwinds Car Company


Founded in 1972 by Robert Jankel, the Panther company enjoyed success throughout the 1970s with retro-styled cars based on the mechanical components of standard production cars from other manufacturers. Notable examples included 1975's Panther Rio: based on the Triumph Dolomite, but appointed to "Rolls-Royce standards" — the cost of which was equivalent to three Triumph Dolomites. Another, and particularly unusual, model was the tri-axle Panther 6.

The Panther company collapsed in 1980 and was purchased by Young Kim of Korea. He built a new British factory in Harlow, Essex, and began assembling cars using Korean-made bodies. In the 1980s the company moved into the sports car arena, culminating with the 1990 Panther Solo. Panther lost money on every Solo, and the company was liquidated, with assets going to the orean SsangYong Motor Company shortly afterwards.

Also see: The History of Panther-Westwinds
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Panther J72

Panther J72

1972 - 1981
These days we are somewhat accustomed to seeing modern interpretations of models long gone, such as the new Mini, Beetle and even the iconic Ford Mustang. Wind the clock back 4 decades and it seemed car makers were hell bent on designing for the future, and never looking back at the glorious past. And into this void, makers such as Panther-Westwinds found a ready market. More>>
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Panther Lima

Panther Lima

1976 - 1982
By the time that the Lima had been released, Panther West Winds of Byfleet, Surrey (UK) had established a reputation for building exciting cars in the upper price bracket which had excellent standards of finish, blistering performances and a 'vintage' air about them. Cars like the J72, De Ville and Ferrari FF sold well but the company needed a cheaper and more readily available product for the masses. The Lima was the answer. More>>
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Panther Six

Panther Six

1977 - 1978
When the Panther Six hit the showrooms, it joined the ranks of the more established exotic car manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche. Maserati, Lamborghini, Jaguar and Aston Martin. Manufactured by the British company Panther Westwinds, the Panther Six specification sheet was awe inspiring. More>>
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Panther Solo

Panther Solo

1986- 1990
The Panther Solo should have had a longer life. It was good, and the design that went into the car made it a Ferrari 308 but at less than half the Ferrari price. Futuristic looking with very clean uncluttered styling, the mid-engined two-seater coupe, similar in proportions to Lancia's Montecarlo, originally went on sale in 1986. More>>
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