Highlights

Rare, hand-built, aluminium bodied Panther
First RHD automatic J72 with independent front suspension
One of only 85 UK registered RHD models
Just three owner, most recently a former Panther director
Extensive history with significant recent investment
MOT exempt but usefully tested to May 2025
Dependable Jaguar XJ6 running gear

The Appeal

While Morgan busied itself constructing traditionally made sports cars in Malvern, over in Byfleet in Surrey, close to the cradle of British motor racing, another firm was taking a slightly different take on the classically styled sports car.

Panther Westwinds’ approach was to blend classic style with modern technology and creature comforts. Each car would be hand built using traditional skills and with aluminium bodies.

Its first fruit was the evocative J72. Heavily influenced by the Jaguar SS100, the J72 suitably featured XJ6 running gear to deliver a smooth-riding, powerful retro convertible.

Expensive and popular with celebrities, just 368 J72s were built and only 85 of those were RHD examples like this one. It is owned by a former director of Panther and looks handsome with its two-tone paintwork. There is significant recent investment – including rechroming immediately prior to sale – and while it is MOT exempt, it is usefully tested to May 2025 with no advisories.

These cars rarely come to market. For enthusiasts of low volume, distinctive hand-built British sports cars, this is surely a treat.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 5th May 1977
Current owner since 24th October 2018
The vendor was a director of Panther Westwind in the 1970s
Only three manufactured in this colour scheme
Thick history file covering recent and older invoices and receipts
2 keys
MOT to May 2025 with no advisories and few miles since test

Notable recent maintenance:

30th October 2023: Light bodywork repairs and rechroming, including chassis clean and wax
22nd July 2023: steering alignment and brake repairs
17th July 2023 : brake pads, clean calipers and discs, repair steering rack and other jobs
11th June 2021: brake wheel cylinders and attention to brakes
23rd June 2021: replace coil, adjust carburettors and strip brakes
28th April 2021: service
18th January 2019: carburettors stripped and rebuilt
30th June 2018: radiator replaced
13th February 2018: coil and distributor replaced

The Condition

Sleek aluminium-bodied roadster that evokes the spirit of the Jaguar SS100
Attractive two-tone cream and metallic blue paintwork with gold pinstriping
Bodywork and interior well presented with only very minor signs of age and use
Presents in photographs as much-loved, well cared for low mileage car
Light bubbling to one door and fuel filler area and chips to base of rear nearside arch
Bumpers re-chromed recently and other chromework presents very well
Supplied with fixed screen as well as aero screens and side screens
Black mohair roof in good order with clear window screens
Tonneau cover also provided with zippable sections
Chrome wire wheels with standard XJ6 hubs
Dunlop tyres showing good condition and plenty of tread
Underside in good order
Advisory on last MOT rectified
Neatly detailed interior with dial cowls and classic four spoke leather wheel
Veneered dashboard in good order showing only light and not unsightly delamination
Smiths dials present well and accompanied by XJ6 switchgear
Cream leather seats well kept with few signs of wear and complemented by leather dash roll
Black carpets are well kept showing no visible marks or frays
Chrome rear luggage rack

Panther worked hard to blend the style and aesthetics of the SS100 with a car that could reasonably be used every day, offering modern levels of comfort and ride. This lovely J72 demonstrates how well they delivered on that promise, its long, low bodywork finished to a high standard in smart two-tone paintwork and the interior trimmed to a similar level of quality.

The overall effect is of a distinctive and much-loved car that has covered few miles in the hands of its three owners. There are some signs of age and wear but they are very minor, limited to a few points noted above and slight deterioration of the cabin veneers.

The Mechanics

Dependable 4,235cc Jaguar XK straight six engine
Twin SU carburettors
3spd automatic Jaguar gearbox
We are told the car starts and runs well
Significant recent maintenance including work to brakes, carburettors and servicing

Much of the appeal of the J72 is surely that it sticks true to its SS100 antecedents by using Jaguar running gear. And there is surely few better places from which to borrow parts than the XJ6, a car famed for its ride and equipped with Jaguar’s very durable XK 4.2litre engine. In this car the motor is mated to a three speed Jaguar gearbox.

The thick history file includes a healthy list of recent scheduled and preventative maintenance, including work to the carburettors, steering and brakes in addition to regular service work.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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