Panoz Auto Development Co. is a Georgia-based producer of luxury sports cars. In business since 1989, one of their products was the Panoz Roadster of which 44 were built between 1992 and 1995. Relying on Ford Mustang hardware, the car may have inspired the Plymouth Prowler (1997-02) which looks remarkably similar (IMO). This low mileage example is “like new” and is available in Phoenix, Arizona, and here on craigslist for $34,950. Barn Finder T.J. has been at it again in the tips arena!
If you told Panoz executives you thought this was a kit car, you’d probably get into an argument. To build the Roadster, they purchased the rights to a frame that was used in a sportscar built in Ireland that folded. Then aluminum body panels were designed in California to go with the fiberglass front fenders. And they finally secured running gear from Ford’s Mustang GT plus a Borg-Warner 5-speed manual to pull it all together. The cars were built without a top or cover, so you’d better take them out only on sunny days. These autos came without heaters, air conditioning, or even radios, and since these machines were hand-built, only 44 ever came to fruition.
In its 31 years, this Panoz has only seen 13,250 miles. Because of the light weight of the vehicle and its 225 hp V8 engine, these hot rods are quite fast (0 to 60 mph in about five seconds). They are also quick to stop with 4-wheel disc brakes. This Roadster is offered by a dealer so state sales tax for the full amount will apply, plus dealer prep and documentation. Delivery is also possible.
I can’t help but go back to the visual similarities to the Plymouth Prowler. Those cars are known to have sensitive front suspensions that are easy to bend or break. I wonder if the Panox Speedster is subject to the same issues given how the front wheels and steering parts are exposed. BTW, the seller will trade up or down for a Porsche 911.
This looks and sounds like a great deal!!
These were followed by the much more powerful (4.6 Cobra) and nicely-equipped Panoz AIV Roadster of which 176 were built. These had heat, AC, stereo etc. Price of this early car is in-line with recent AIV Roadster sales.
I think the 6 cylinder Prowler made a little more HP.
…and was still slower. Power to weight ratio, baby!
This looks like a blast to drive.
In ’93, Creative MotorSports built their Prototype Esperante GTRA Coupe.
I had to pick up their body molds @ their storage facility in Winder, Ga; there were 2 Roadsters in that building that had “killed the CrashTest Dummies” because the 3″×4″ frame rails were too strong. Their solution was to put 2 minor crimps ahead of the firewall.
Those body panels were Droop/Vacuum molded aluminum; very impressive factory & cars.
Air conditioning? What for? With no top or windows it would be trying to cool down the entire state of Georgia. Talk about an overworked compressor!
Meant this as a reply to Chip Lamb. Sorry
A US interpretation of the Lotus 7? Well My old seven 1960 were the first of the mk. 2 series. Weight 470kg and a pre-crossflow with 119HP. Any car with so low production numbers has problems. Mine had the old Standard rear axle! It came from a 30HP mid-50s car. Take care!
Not a kit car, but it’s similar to the car I built from Mechanix Illustrated plans purchased in 1952! Front fender mountings as well as rear deck style.
It inspired the Prowler …. like that’s a positive.
that is very true, but the prowler had possibilities. if those ugly front bumpers were removed and the 5.7 hemi would have been under the hood the legacy of that car would have been completely different. neither happened and it will just be an asterisk in the history of Chrysler.