1977 Panther De Ville
1 of only 60 manufactured

Registration No: PAN 1A
Chassis No: 2058
MOT: Exempt

• Manufactured new for a Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi
• Just 13,000 recorded miles
• For most of its life, the De Ville was Britain's most expensive production car
• Supplied with cherished registration number ‘PAN 1A’
• 1 of only approximately 60 manufactured

PLEASE NOTE: This lot developed a power steering whine while being driven to the sale, and therefore the power steering will need attention.

Of all the extraordinary cars brought to us by Robert Jankel's Panther Westwinds concern, the De Ville is surely one of the most practical as well as dramatic. Styled to loosely ape the massive Bugatti Royale of the 1930s, the tubular-framed De Ville was powered by Jaguar six or 12 cylinder units of the day. It also employed Jaguar suspension, steering and transmission, so was comparatively easy to drive and service. The interiors were inevitably lavish and frequently featured TV and drinks bars. Around 60 cars were built between 1974 and 1985, one of which appeared in a film version of 101 Dalmatians, for which the Jaguar engine was reputedly replaced by a Chevy V8. Sir Elton John and Oliver Reed were noted De Ville owners. or most of its life, the Panther De Ville was Britain's most expensive production car, and it is easy to see why. Offered as a four-door saloon or a convertible (although one six-door limousine was built), clients were rich and generally ostentatious; famous owners included Oliver Reed and Elton John, and Cruella De Ville (played by Glenn Close) famously drove a black and white example in the film 101 Dalmatians.

Manufactured in 1977, chassis ‘2058’ was produced new for a Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi. Finished in the wonderfully extravagant colour scheme of two-tone Gold and Bronze paintwork, it is matched to a lavish Red velour interior upholstery, with the interior also featuring a wooden dashboard, Becker stereo, and quilted style headlining. Fitted with the larger 5343cc Jaguar V12 engine, ‘PAN 1A’ features automatic transmission, and has wire wheels shod with whitewall tyres including rear mounted spare. With its Jaguar underpinnings making it relatively easy to drive and maintain, and active Jaguar owners clubs offering strong support, make the Panther De Ville today an attractive and rare classic. In current ownership for eleven years, the De Ville is now offered with just 13,000 recorded miles. A right-hand drive example, this offers a rare opportunity to purchase a De Ville with a great colour combination.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452