PANTHER

PANTHER 

Robert Jankel (Robert Jankel), actor and artist rather than a businessman, organized the 70th. firm Panther West Winds ("West Uinds Panther") in order to express their commitment to the automotive style of the past. Its manufacturing base has a plant in Bayflite, formerly owned by Cooper Formula 1 team ("Cooper Formula 1"). Here, he invited a group of professionals who have started to manufacture new machines in the style of "retro".
In the 70's. Panther produced a wide range of machines, and not very successful. But for any of them, Yankel, who himself created a body design, it was impossible to praise. Each and every single model turned from him, according to experts, "vulgar."


The logo was done in the typical 30-ies. manner
Company Yankel been making their own frames and bodywork of their cars, while maintaining the traditional technologies. Engines, transmissions and suspension units, the company bought Jaguar. The first car brand Panther, "J72", expressly created with an eye to the Jaguar SS100 30s., But the components and assemblies were modern running gear.
The car "J72" find their buyers. To a certain extent has been successful and the Panther De Ville ("Panther De Bill") with a V-shaped 12-cylinder engine. On the other hand, some models other than a failure can not be called: "FF" in the style of the early Ferrari coupe and Rio ("Rio"). The latter - in fact a serial Triumph Dolomite Sprint ("The Triumph Dolomite Sprint") to another body. Despite this, the firm ostavavalas afloat. In the early copies of the platform used cars Vauxhall ("Bokskholl"), but later it was added to the tubular frame.

The company began with the release of Panther modern cars, designed in the style of "retro" like the model shown here Kallista.

Initial sunk the company was only enough until the end of 1979 Affected and financial problems associated with the release of the model Lima, and the failure of attempts to enter the U.S. market. At the end of 1979 the company ceased operation. From the final bankruptcy of its saved for next year Korea's Jindo Group ("Jindi Group"). The new chairman of the board of directors of Young Kim (Young S. Kim) resumed production of the Lima (she has changed significantly, and even got a new name Kallista). In parallel, was to develop a new model of Solo ("Solo").

The first model was the Panther's machine "372", an expensive fantasy on the theme of car Jaguar SS100

The novelty was the all-wheel drive, it used to drive Sierra Cosworth ("Sierra Kosuort"). Work on the creation of this machine have advanced quite far. After moving the company from Bayflita to a new plant in Harlow New Town, it became clear that the future model of Solo is too expensive. On this project is halted, and the chairman, Kim left the company.

Solo was to be the first model of the Panther with the modern style body, marking the company's withdrawal from its former style "retro." Unfortunately, the wrong car poyavivilsya on the market at the wrong time

In the early 90s. Panther cars on the company offered. Production Retro Kallista models have been minimized in order to free up capacity for the project Solo. Other new models were prepared. Jindo Group - the company is large enough and powerful enough to support loss-making company Panther. However, in the long term probability of resumption of its activities is questionable.

Panther 172 ("Panther 172"), 1972-1981

The main difficulty in creating machine-style "retro" is the ability to convince the general public is that it remembers the old car the way it is now reproduced. This explains the success of the car Panther J72. Robert Jankel designed it for myself. Some time later, he was persuaded to start serial production. Production started in 1972 for cars Yankel chose the name Panther, evokes associations with the famous brand Jaguar. It was her well-known model of "SS100" the 30-ies. He chose as the original. The letter "J" - the first letter of last name Yankel in Latin writing, and the number "72" - the year of launch.

The engine for "372" borrowed from Jaguar cars

In the spirit of the car "J72" is not so much an imitation as an extrapolation. Something like this would look like Jaguar SS100, if he had stayed at work longer and would have undergone a number of improvements. The car performed very well (there is even an opinion that it is in many respects superior to the original). But the elegance that distinguished Jaguar SS100, did not possess.

Vehicle frame of the simplest design consisted of a tubular element and did not require any how, whether, for the manufacture of sophisticated equipment. In the early copies were used uncut front and rear axles on the helical springs, fixed by means of reactive rods. The body of traditional shape is also made by traditional technologies: wood frame and aluminum cladding panels. Yankel attracted the cooperation of specialists of the old school, worked in the famous body "studio", for example, Hooper ("Hooper").

Today's seat and sleek bulge on the side of the hood does not meet the general retro-style, which was sustained this car

Model "J72" was aimed at people who want to stand out at all costs. They were enough for the capacity utilization. Low weight, combined with bad streamlined body gave specific car driving performance. Acceleration to 177 km / h was great, but then the car seemed to exhale. This behavior is well known among the motorists called "Morgan's syndrome." Had in mind a retro-car Morgan, who suffered the same "disease" and for the same reasons. The earliest examples of Panther J72 completed with 6-cylinder Jaguar engine with two camshafts (the dimension - 87x106 mm, working volume - 3781 cm3). From 1974 began to install V-shaped 12-cylinder engine with single overhead camshaft and an automatic transmission from the Jaguar. As such, the car developed a speed of 220 km / h, but the motor to fit into a narrow engine bay sidewall hood supplied with rounded projections, does not fit well with the overall style of the car. Demand for cars Panther J72 remained until the second energy crisis (1979). Then sales fell almost to zero, and the company had to declare their insolvency. Recent instances of "J72" saw the light in 1981 produced a total of 300 such vehicles, mostly with six-cylinder engines.

For the wooden rim of the steering wheel can be easily seen "yaguarovskie" switches and analog devices

In this perspective, the car looks better than Panther 372

Characteristics (1972)

Engine: P6, two overhead camshafts

Bore and Stroke: 87x106 mm

Displacement: 3781 cm3

Maximum Power: 190 hp

Transmission: 4-speed manual, optional 3-speed automatic

Chassis: the steel frame

Suspension: dependent on the helical springs

Brakes: disc

Body: 2-seater sports

Maximum speed: 183 km / h

Panther De Ville ("Panther de Ville"), 1974-1985

Model "J72" was in production for two years, when Robert Jankel decided to start a parallel release of yet another model, but a different type. If the "J72" was an improvisation on the theme of nostalgic sports 2-seater 30s., The novelty was to be the interpretation of a large sedan of the same era.

The most luxurious model of Panther De Ville was created with an eye on the famous Bugatti Royale. Undercarriage units are still borrowed from Jaguar

The result of these efforts were in the car fussy, tasteless, and even vulgar. He imitated neither more nor less "royal" Bugatti Royale ("Bugatti Royale '). Offered under the name Panther De Ville in two versions - a four-door sedan and 2-door convertible. Ram trucks have been the same from the tubular elements. The British model is not accepted, so basically these cars were exported.

For large flexible pipe can be seen 5.3-liter "yaguarovsky" V12 engine with overhead camshafts. Its thickness was 285 hp

From a technical point of view of the model Panther De Ville was a bizarre mix of modern and classical elements. The motor, gearbox and suspension borrowed from the latest models of Jaguar. The frame was a simple but strong. All this provided a reasonable car ride and good handling. Specifications have also been quite adequate.

The standard size lights were built into the huge chrome housing. If there was such a perspective in which the machine is Panther De Ville looked decent, so it's back

Another thing is the body. Though he did, and professionals involved in the model "J72" (as in the recent past, and custom cars Rolls-Royce), but the view he had, to say the least, weird. Convex sides, which in the 30s. supposed to be flat, modern small-diameter wheels, massive housing headlights, which were incorporated into the modern lights of smaller size. All this little jibe with each other and with the stated style.

As an alternative option offered in-line 6-cylinder engine from the car Jaguar XK (the dimension - 92,05 x106 mm, working volume - 4235 cm3, power - 190 hp). Transmission - 4-speed manual transmission with "overdrive" additional section. Maximum speed - 200 km / h In 1975 for the car Panther De Ville asked for 21 851 GBP This is despite the fact that Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow ("Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow") can be bought for only 14 830 GBP Jaguar XJ12 with the same engine costs 5960 GBP It is not surprising that the model Panther De Ville sold in very small quantities. In total, these cars have built a total of 60 pieces.

Horseshoe-shaped grille - the most obvious external part, borrowed from cars Bugatti

Characteristics (1974)

Engine: VI2, two overhead camshafts

Bore and Stroke: 90x70 mm

Displacement: 5343 cm3

Maximum Power: 285 hp

Transmission: 3-speed automatic

Chassis: the steel frame

Suspension: Independent by coil springs, front on double triangular wishbone, rear linkage

Brakes: disc

Body: sedan or convertible

Maximum speed: 220 km / h

Panther Lima ("Lima Panther"), 1976-1982

After 4 years after the release of a model "J72", by Robert Jankel offered a cheaper sports model. So there was Lima, smaller in size than the previous car company.

Model of Panther Kallista

It was assumed that the new model will diverge in large numbers. Therefore, it became the basis of the platform body with suspension and chassis units car Vauxhall Magnum ("Vauxhall Magnum"). On closer examination it was clear that the door to the machine entirely borrowed the car Midget MG.

Apparently, the platform Vauxhall cars did not have sufficient rigidity. About the Panther Lima soon began to speak, as a model with a weak body. Soon was established typical for Panther tubular frame. Since the end of 1978 it received all the machine leaves the factory.

Lima model has a 4-cylinder 2.3-liter engine from the Vauxhall company overhead camshaft, which develops power 108 hp

Like the cars then Morgan, Lima has been very tough on the run, had a very low aerodynamic characteristics and uncomfortable cramped interior. However, wanting to buy such a car was quite impractical.

In the first six years of release build 897 cars Lima. When the control of the firm passed to Jindo Group, machine design has been greatly revised. Consumers have begun offering four-cylinder or V-shaped 6-cylinder Ford. Under the new name Kallista ("Callista"), with a recognizable shape old car Lima, a model was present on the market until 1990 It was discontinued only because of the transition to the new Solo with futuristic body design. Anyone who has had the opportunity to experience this car, abused her uncomfortable seats, high fuel consumption and extremely rigid suspension. In the 80's. the company sold 200 to 250 Kallista annually.

Over time, Lima became a more elaborate model of the Kallista with engine production Ford

Characteristics (1976)

Engine: P 4, the upper cam

Bore and Stroke: 97,5 x76, 2 mm

Displacement: 2279 cm3

Maximum Power: 108 hp

Transmission: 4-speed manual or automatic

Chassis: Steel platform for

Suspension: Independent front and on triangular wishbone coil springs, rear axle on the helical springs

Brakes: disc / drum

Body: 2-seater sports

Maximum speed: 158 km / h

Options Panther Lima Panther Kallista

After the Panther became the property of the Korean Jindo Group, Lima car has undergone a very profound modernization. Fiberglass body replaced with aluminum. There were other engines and the front suspension of production Ford.

Option named Kallista. Let him in 1982-90 years. Manned by several car engines Ford, starting with row "quartet" working volume of 1598 cm3 capacity of 96 hp Maximum speed was 148 km / h

In 1982-88. installed on the machine and V-type 6-cylinder engine, Ford (2792 cm3, 135 hp without the injection and 150 hp with fuel injection). The buyer could choose a five-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. With 150-horsepower engine top speed of 175 km / h In 1988, instead of the old 2.8-liter V6 engine with a larger engine offering up to 2935 cm3 swept volume. Top speed is unchanged.

Panther Solo ("Solo Panther") 1990

Among the British sports cars, only two models were prepared to launch into a series of so long and so vain: AC 3OOOME and Panther Solo. Both eventually came to the buyers, and both were soon after taken out of production, not bringing any money to their manufacturers.

The first prototype named Solo was built on a mid-chart and was shown to the public in 1984 The final version was much more powerful and has all-wheel drive. He was shown in 1987, orders for the car were taken, but the deliveries began in 1990 to only a few months later, the demand for car-and-so is extremely small, dried up completely. The project was abandoned when the number of vehicles sold reached the ten pieces.

When the incredibly long process of designing the car behind us, and Solo in the final version appeared in public, he was unanimously recognized not only spectacular but also efficient. Running parameters of the machine largely consistent with its rapid and futuristic appearance. But the cost of its launch of the manufacturer was forced to assign a price that places it on the market and there was no

Overall, Panther Solo produced in 26 copies, except prototypes for crash-test cars and brands. Against the background of the hype that accompanied the preparation of a new model, the result is insignificant. This project was based on the reputation of the entire board chairman Kim, a businessman automaker. As a result of failure of the machine on the market turned to Kim's troubles, and by Ken Greenley Design Solo (Ken Greenley) remained for a long time without orders.

Initially, Kim looked like a mid-Solo 2-seat sports and not too expensive car. But after the company Toyota ("Toyota") has introduced its own model "MR2", he realized that oppose this car too much for him. The concept car has undergone a change. She became a four-wheel drive, having upgraded chassis Ford Sierra RS Cosworth 4x4. During his debut in 1987 asked for her 25 thousand GBP Planned to sell at least 100 cars.

During preparations for the manufacture of construction machinery Panther Solo revised several times. Originally conceived as a Panther Solo model with a mid-rear-wheel drive, but by the time the market it has become a very expensive all-wheel drive carThe new concept was as original as it is unique: the world's first all-wheel drive supercar supposed to do with the engine within the database. In appearance, too, Solo car was very good. And despite the many experts predict the inevitable problems with cooling the turbocharged engine, the car has proved its superiority. Suicide in the end it turned out the decision to make carrying the body of the most advanced technology while using steel, aluminum honeycomb structures, a carbon fiber material and Kevlar ("Kevlar"). Cost of the machine soared to dizzying heights, and the sale price in 1990 was 39 850 GBP The car could not be profitable.Buyers still reshivshiesya to order, tired of waiting for his car. Deliveries are constantly postponed, and when the customer reported the final price on a car, a figure many simply scared off. Neither the excellent controllability, no reliable chassis, or the exclusivity of the machine could not tipping the choice in favor of the new items. In addition, the Cosworth engine was rude for such a machine - it does not correspond to an expensive supercar.The project is turned off. With the cessation of work on the car company Panther Solo fell out of the cage automotive businesses. It seems, finally.

In stylistic elaboration Solo car had some good finds. For example, retractable headlights, mounted on a rotating shields. A sense of proportion has changed designer Ken Greenley only in the development of the rear: the lateral air inlets can be placed poudachnee, and is itself too big for the rear mid-engine car

Characteristics (GT, 1958)

Engine: P4, the overhead

Bore and Stroke: 83x92 mm

Displacement: 1991 cm3

Maximum power: 90 hp

Transmission: 4-speed manual

Chassis: tubular steel frame on the

Suspension: Independent front and on triangular wishbone coil springs, de Dion rear semi-elliptic leaf springs at the

Brakes: disc / drum

Body: Coupe 2 +2

Maximum speed: 166 km / h

Variants of the car Peerless GT Warwick

Enhanced and improved version of Peerless issued in 1960-61. now Bernard Rodger Developments. In contrast to earlier cars, the cars had a one-piece Warwick hood, fold-up forward, and a number of stylistic changes.

Warwick Buick

At one time supposed to be installed on the machine Warwick aluminum V8 engine of the American firm Buick ("Buick"), who later went to the company Rover. Built a single instance.