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.
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.
“Another one bites the dust”, MG Midget that is. You have to wonder how many were used to make cars like this one. The side view shows kind of a “jerky”design front and rear like it was done by two different people. I will admit that it’s probably a blast to drive.
If I were a Steelers fan I’d snap it up in an instant. Now if it was green and yellow…..
This was not based on the midget, it was based on the Vauxhall Firenza which was also where the engine came from, I personally had a Firenza which was fun to drive even without the turbo. I test drove one without a turbo but found the seating position uncomfortable.
Thank you for the correction. I find this car to be an absolute gas. Aesthetically it is right down my alley, wow, I just love it. My problem is my geographic location and most of all my age. Well, we can´t have everything we want; but were things different I would jump at it.
The passenger cell was clearly taken from a donor Midget, as with many other neoclassical models of the era for some reason; note the characteristic door shape. But yes, the Lima’s powertrain, running gear, and gauge cluster came from the Vauxhall Viva/Firenza/Magnum.
I know the chassis is not MG Midget but the passenger section sure is.
I always wonder why a car like this doesn’t catch but the Morgan survives to this day with a meat $100k sticker price.
Roughly, these are prebuilt kit cars while Morgan has a history of upscale sporty vehicles going back nearly a century. The Panther looks like a lot more fun, though.
Did I miss the trans type? Or is this another auto shift, too expected to bother mentioning American sports car?
Interior photo shows a stick shift, and these had a powertrain from the Vauxhall Viva/Firenza/Magnum, so this would be the 4-speed Vauxhall manual trans.
I would be very surprised if it is anything other than a stick shift can’t remember if my Firenza was 4 or 5 speed, I suspect it was a 4 speed.