Panther J72

Panther J.72
Panther J.72
	1972 Panther J72
Overview
Manufacturer	Panther Westwinds Ltd
Production	1972 - 1981; 368 produced
Assembly	Weybridge, England
Designer	Robert Jankel
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door roadster
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	3.8L Jaguar XK6; 4.2L Jaguar XK6 ; 5.3L Jaguar V12
Transmission	4-speed manual; 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	109.1 in (2,771 mm)
Length	160.0 in (4,064 mm)
Width	65.5 in (1,664 mm)
Height	53.0 in (1,346 mm)
Curb weight	2,504 lb (1,136 kg)

The J.72 was an ultra-exclusive luxury roadster, the first production vehicle of the Panther Westwinds company.[1] Styled to evoke the Jaguar SS100 and sold from 1972 through 1981, it used mechanicals from the Jaguar XJ, including its 5.3 L V12 engine. It was also offered with Jaguar's 3.8 L and 4.2 L XK engines.[2]

The J.72 was a success for the small company, with its Connolly leather upholstery, and aluminum coachwork. The car was purchased by a celebrity clientele, including comedian Redd Foxx, Freddy Mercury, and Elizabeth Taylor. A total of 368 units were produced.

A custom made J72 was ordered to be made using a V-12 engine. In 1973 it was shown at The Frankfurt Motor Show , it was popular, and the V12 became a regular upgrade option for an extra £4,000.[3]

On the 26 May 1976, Robert Jankel wrote to the Office of Compliance, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C. 20591, U.S.A. to comply with Part 578 of the Defect Report procedure. Six vehicles had a defect with the fuel tank, in the event of a crash the fuel tank was at risk of being pierced by the rear body mounting bolts. If this happened fuel would spill out and could cause a fire. Panther Westwinds Ltd notified the dealers and the first purchasers of the defect and told them what modifications needed to be done to fix the problem.[4]

1976 Panther J72
1980 Panther J72
Panther J72 interior

Sources and further reading

"Panther Westwinds is the best British car company you've never heard of". British GQ. 4 July 2020. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
Culshaw, David; Horrobin, Peter (1997). The Complete Catalog of British Cars 1895-1975. Veloce Publishing Ltd. ISBN 978-1-874105-93-0.
Road & Track. CBS Publications. 1975.
Administration, United States National Highway Traffic Safety (1976). Safety Related Recall Campaigns for Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Equipment, Including Tires: detailed reports. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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[1] "Panther Westwinds is the best British car company you've never heard of". British GQ. 4 July 2020. Retrieved 29 January 2023.

[2] Culshaw, David; Horrobin, Peter (1997). The Complete Catalog of British Cars 1895-1975. Veloce Publishing Ltd. ISBN 978-1-874105-93-0.

[3] Road & Track. CBS Publications. 1975.

[4] Administration, United States National Highway Traffic Safety (1976). Safety Related Recall Campaigns for Motor Vehicles and Motor Vehicle Equipment, Including Tires: detailed reports. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.