Panther 6
Panther 6 | |
---|---|
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 inĀ³) 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 and the 2015 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este by Albert Fellner.
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.
Sources and further reading
Bibliography
- The Observer's Book of Automobiles Frederick Warne & Co (1978) ISBN 0-7232-1585-5
See also
Twin front axle
- Covini C6W
- FAB 1 (fictional car)
- Ford Seattle-ite XXI (concept car)
- Tyrrell P34