The idea of driving a neoclassical roadster on a fair weather day is one that requires a unique mindset. You have to appreciate the era in which the design was in its prime, at least enough to commit to buying a car that is clearly a modern homage to a bygone time. There have been countless vehicles produced by small-scale manufacturers to tap into this nostalgia, and some were better than others. I can’t say for sure that the Panther Lima was any better than any other offering, but they did offer it in turbocharged from which made it far more compelling. Find this rare 1979 Panther Lime Turbo with just 4,400 original miles here on craigslist for $19,900.

If my kids were to see one of these, they’d call this the Cruella de Vil car, from the Disney film, 101 Dalmatians. Of course, they’d say that for anything that has swooping fenders and the two-tone paint scheme between the doors and fenders and the running boards and trunk. The Panther actually looks quite benign compared to movie car, if not downright cheerful. Unlike other kit cars, the Lima interior actually looks like it’s finished to a decent standard, with full carpeting, proper bucket seats, and a dash with full instrumentation. There’s even a heater and defroster, a proper three spoke steering wheel, and a cigarette lighter.

Of course, you have the spare tire mounted on the rear deck lid, and the wheels are faux wire design with whitewall tires. Some of these details are old hat by this point, with every manufacturer of a neoclassical design supposedly pulling from the same playbook. Seeing the old-school California license plate makes this Panther a touch more appealing, almost as if you can envision someone buying this car because they thought it was the coolest thing on four wheels and then ripping around southern California. And, check out the sweet vanity plate frame: remember when these were all the rage? Pilots, realtors, squash players, florists: everyone had their own unique decor for their license plate surround.

In turbocharged form, the Panther was good for an impressive 178 horsepower, a significant jump over the standard 108 b.h.p. that came from the transplanted Vauxhall-sourced 2.3L four-cylinder engine. Performance-wise, the manufacturer claimed the retro-inspired classic could rip to 60 in under seven seconds! It’s sorely tempting to picture this roadster on a more aggressive wheel and tire setup with the suspension lowered a touch, but don’t you dare touch that “Turbo Lima” decal on the hood. What a wild ride! Have you ever driven one? Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the tip.