The 1997 Panoz AIV is a rare and special car. The company produced less than 200 examples during their production years. Due to the scarcity of these cars, it’s not common to hear much about them in the media, and it’s certainly uncommon to see them in person. However, a hungry enthusiast group is still willing to spend some extra cash on these retro-styled performance vehicles. The example at hand is said to have just 5,676 miles and is listed for sale on Craigslist in Orlando, Florida, for $44,900. Thanks to Tony Primo for the tip!
The car is finished in a stunning emerald green with a black soft top. The exterior is in excellent condition, which is no surprise because the car has been hardly driven. The car is styled like a classic ’50s American car, but underneath the aesthetics is a performance-oriented, well-engineered powerhouse. The company is said to have used the same aluminum chassis as the previous model but added fiberglass fenders and a new drive train. The result was a lightweight car that offered an exhilarating driving experience.
The interior is finished in tan leather with carbon fiber trim and has a luxury feel. Even in the interior, Panoz attempted to shave some weight. It is in excellent condition and is free of blemishes or damage. The car is said to be in incredible condition throughout, which is reflected in the asking price.
A Ford 4.6L 32-valve engine sends 305 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque to the wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. The car accelerates from 0-60 in just 4.6 seconds. While not for everyone, this car is definitely a fun and quick cruiser. If you are one of the rare cult-followers or you’re ready to try a new car maker out, this might be an excellent opportunity for you. Rare cars are always exciting to come across, and ones that offer a fun driving experience even more so. If you’re ready to own this oddball, reach out to the seller on craigslist.
I’ll bet it’s crazy fast and way too much fun to drive.
Dr. Panoz had his office in the hotel on the grounds of Sebring International Raceway where we spend most of our time racing. His daily driver was one of these and he told me one day that the car made him want to go to work in the morning. I sure went along with that even though l never got to drive one. Workmanship on these cars is outstanding.
Rocket 🚀
This is what the Plymouth Prowler could only hope to be.
Thinking the same thing. They would have been better off buying out Panoz.
Cool roadster! They lacked side screens /weather protection making them not an easy sell. Panoz could have taught the designers of the Prowler a thing or two starting with the V-8!
I love these and would love to have one but…( I suffer like many of us from lack of room and $$).If I had this I’d be tempted to fabricate some side curtains. I love driving cars like this in the winter,in Northern Ca. top down but with side screens, windows up and heater on.Great car indeed..
Sorry, it’s ugly.
Agreed its ugly.
My ex-wife is better looking.
BEAUTIFUL and sweet knd like my 65 Sunbeam Tempest(?) with the boss 302 we installed.
What an odd little car. I have never heard of one, much less seen one. Not my “cup of tea” but I would imagine that it would be as much fun as you could have with your clothes on to drive.
Do you mean Tiger?
That would be my guess.
Sunbeam Alpine with a Ford V8 courtesy of Shelby is a Tiger.This Panoz to me is a modern Cobra..and I’d take it over any replica Cobra in a heartbeat
Are you sure about the fiberglass fenders and such? The are AIV – Aluminum Intensive Vehicles, made largely of vacuum formed aluminum panels. Awesome cars.