Gearheads are known for their wild imaginations, often dreaming up designs that are more fantasy than reality. Think of a pink, six-wheeled Thunderbird, or a James Bond-inspired Aston Martin packed with every villain-slaying gadget imaginable. However, most manufacturers shy away from such ambitious projects, knowing they’d likely be unsafe, prohibitively expensive, and impractical for daily use. While we may dream big, the reality for most of us involves driving more conventional vehicles.
But that doesn’t mean some automakers haven’t tried to push boundaries. One obscure British manufacturer, Panther Westwinds, built a reputation on doing things differently. Active throughout the 1970s and into the 1990s, Panther even developed a six-wheeled luxury car powered by a massive Cadillac V8.
A Niche for the Discerning Driver
Founded in 1972 by Robert Jankel, Panther Westwinds built specialist automobiles for those seeking something unique. Jankel’s earlier company, Jenkel Group, crafted custom vehicles for brands like Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover. This coachbuilding business enabled Jankel to launch Panther to sell his own unconventional designs, the kinds that other manufacturers wouldn’t dare to produce.
Panther’s early offerings included the J72 roadster, a 1930s-inspired vehicle powered by Jaguar inline-six and V12 engines, and the Rio sedan, which sought to compete with Rolls-Royce.
The Panther 6: A Performance Luxury Vision
Panther’s most ambitious creation debuted in 1977: the Panther 6. Its defining feature was its six wheels, four smaller wheels at the front and two standard-sized ones at the rear. This design was inspired by the Tyrrell P34 Formula 1 car, which had broken ground the previous year. The 6 combined supercar-chasing performance with luxurious appointments for comfortable long-distance travel. It was also envisioned as a convertible, allowing owners to enjoy open-air motoring.
In Formula 1, the Tyrrell P34’s six-wheeled configuration aimed to reduce drag, distribute weight more evenly, and improve braking. The same principles were applied to the Panther 6, with the firm hoping to challenge luxury marques like Maserati and Aston Martin.
1977 Panther 6 Specifications
- Engine: 8.2L twin-turbo Cadillac V8
- Power: 600 hp (estimated)
- Top Speed: 200 mph (estimated)
To power the performance, Panther sourced a massive 8.2-liter Cadillac V8, and then equipped this with a pair of turbochargers. Mated to a three-speed automatic transmission, it was estimated to produce 600 hp and achieve a top speed of over 200 mph. Inside, the 6 boasted a plush leather interior, air conditioning, an onboard telephone, and even a dash-mounted TV.
From Vision to Reality: The Panther 6’s Legacy
While the 6 was unlike anything else on the road, its design and price became obstacles. The car was priced at just under £40,000 (equivalent to nearly $300,000 today), making it more expensive than some competitors like Lamborghini and Aston Martin. Despite securing 15 orders, the project was ultimately hampered when Pirelli, which developed the unusually sized front tires, refused to manufacture them. Only two examples of the Panther 6 were ever produced. While one was completed and delivered, the second was eventually sold off after the company collapsed in 1980.
Despite its rarity, one of the two remaining models sold at Bonhams Auctions in 2011 for just 41,000 euros (approximately $60,000). For such an exclusive machine, it could be considered a bargain.
Panther’s Second Act: Mid-Engined Sports Cars
Following Panther’s initial collapse, South Korean businessman Young Chull Kim acquired the company. Production of the J72 and De Ville models resumed, but Kim also sought to develop a new mid-engined sports car: the Solo. The Solo debuted in 1989 and was followed by the Solo 2 in 1990.
The Solo 2 was powered by a turbocharged Cosworth YB four-cylinder engine, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and the all-wheel-drive system from the Sierra 4×4, delivering 204 hp. The Solo 2 could reach a top sped of 142 mph. Constructed with a lightweight composite body and a double-wishbone front suspension, the Solo represented advanced engineering for its time.
1990 Panther Solo 2 Specifications
- Engine: 2.0L turbo I4
- Power: 204 hp
- Torque: 206 lb-ft
- Top Speed: 142 mph
Despite the promising designs, only 13 Solos were reportedly sold. Panther was sold to SsangYong in 1987, and the company’s projects were discontinued in 1990 after its owner was absorbed by Daewoo. While not a financial success, Panther Westwinds deserves recognition for its willingness to explore unique and daring automotive concepts.
