Panther 6

Panther 6
File:Panther 6 white.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer	Panther Westwinds Ltd
Production	1977 - 1978 2 produced
Assembly	Weybridge, England
Designer	Robert Jankel
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible
Layout	RMR layout
Powertrain
Engine	8.2L Cadillac V8
Transmission	3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	105.0 in (2,667 mm)
Length	192.0 in (4,877 mm)
Width	80.0 in (2,032 mm)
Height	48.0 in (1,219 mm)
Curb weight	2,870 lb (1,302 kg)

The Panther 6 was an extravagant six-wheel convertible powered by a mid-mounted 8.2 L (500 in³) Cadillac V8 engine with twin turbochargers. It was produced by Panther in 1977. Only two cars were ever made (one white, one black), both of which still exist. One is in the Middle East, and the other was shown at the 2008 NEC Classic Car Show by the Panther Car Club.

The six wheel configuration was inspired by the Tyrrell P34. The layout was one pair of rear wheels with 265/50 VR16 tyres and two pairs of steerable front wheels with 205/40 VR13 tyres.

The specification included a detachable hard top and convertible soft top, electronic instruments, air conditioning, an automatic fire extinguisher, electric seats and windows, a telephone and a television set.

Claims for the top speed of this vehicle suggested it was capable of over 200 mph (322 km/h); however, these claims are so far unsubstantiated.

Bibliography

• The Observer's Book of Automobiles Frederick Warne & Co (1978) ISBN 0-7232-1585-5

External links

• Panther 6 and interview Bob Jankel
• Lengthy article on Panther 6 with image