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Panther

1972 – 1990 — UK

Panther

Panther Westwinds, established in 1972 by Robert Jankel, carved its niche in the automotive world by crafting retro-styled luxury and sports cars, creatively utilizing the mechanical underpinnings of mass-produced vehicles from other manufacturers. The brand made its debut with the Panther J72, an elegant model inspired by the classic Jaguar SS100, featuring a range of powerful engines up to a 5.3 V12 and an aluminium body, capturing the essence of bespoke British craftsmanship. Despite its initial success and a lineup that included remarkable models like the six-wheeled, twin-turbocharged Panther 6 and the luxurious De Ville, Panther faced financial challenges leading to its acquisition by Young Chull Kim in 1980. The company continued under new ownership, launching the Panther Kallista in 1983, a popular model that continued in production until the company’s shift in focus to the Panther Solo—a futuristic sports car—in the late 1980s. The Panther brand's journey through the decades is marked by both triumphs and trials. It enjoyed periods of innovation and expansion, notably with its move to new production facilities inside the Brooklands circuit. However, the venture into advanced models like the Solo could not sustain the company, leading to its cessation of production in the UK and eventual acquisition by the South Korean firm SsangYong. The brand experienced a brief revival attempt in the early 2000s by Jankel's son but has since remained dormant following Jankel's death in 2005. Panther Westwinds remains a symbol of ambitious British car manufacturing, with a legacy characterized by its unique blend of old-world style and modern engineering

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Panther

1972 – 1990 — UK

Panther

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