Beskrivning
The one that got away. Considered by many in the industry as a lost opportunity, the Panel Cruiser van was sadly little more than a styling exercise that appeared at the 2000 Detroit Auto Show evoking classic American truck lines underpinned by modern running gear. But demand always wins over and in response a handful of custom-built vehicles have emerged both in the US and UK. This is one. Properly converted using steel panels around 4 years ago and subsequently benefitting from a ply-lined load area and full professional repaint in metallic Electric Blue, this so closely echoes Chrysler`s vision, it is almost uncanny. And it works from every angle. The perfect promotional vehicle that would also be welcome at any American or Custom car show this summer. You`re very unlikely to see another!
Introduced by Chrysler for the 2001 model year, the PT Cruiser was a compact 5-door family hatchback (a 2-door convertible was also available from 2005) designed by Bryan Nesbitt inspired by sedans from the 1930`s and 1940`s and in particular the styling of the Chrysler Airflow. Nesbitt later went on the design the Chevrolet HHR, a pick-up truck cum hot rod again with dominant pre-war American lines. At launch, the car was immediately described as a “market segment-buster” and picked up a brace of accolades and awards with a wide variety of engine choices, trim levels and special editions only widening the appeal. Whilst styling tended to polarize UK buyers, since production ceased in 2010, the Cruiser has gained a growing cult following and many have seen it as an ideal base for modification with an increasing number of customised examples now appearing at national shows.
Our Panel Cruiser evocation started life as a 2004 PT Cruiser Touring and whilst we know very little of it`s background, it was evidently taking off the road around 5 years ago with the sole intention of creating something quite unique. We have discovered some online images and references to the conversion which clearly was undertaken by a professional body-shop. Whilst the quality of the conversion speaks for itself with correct steel panels replacing the rear glass, the evident “smoothed” look has taken many hours to achieve and has been finished off with a high-quality repaint complimented by a set of recently refurbished split-rim alloys to complete the look. Inside, the front cabin remains totally stock whilst the rear has been entirely stripped-out and ply-lined affording a clean and very useable load-space. Indeed, this area could be further customised with carpeting or even a mock wood floor with metal skid strips. It would also lend itself to a truly original and very retro coffee-van conversion. Since the conversion, the van has covered less than 100 miles.
I hope that the photographs speak for themselves. Undeniably, this is the vehicle that Chrysler should have built and I have included a screenshot of the company`s own Panel Cruiser design exercise for comparison. Both body and paintwork are still superb with just a couple of very minor storage blemishes whilst refurbished split-rim alloys remain unmarked and are shod with a set of brand-new Toya tyres. The cabin is clean and functional whilst the load-area is ready to go to work. On the road, the van drives beautifully with nice easy gearchange, light clutch and excellent brakes making it perfect for either town or motorway.
The Panel Cruiser comes with a long MoT Certificate to 26th May 2026, a Haynes Manual, 2 boxes of spares and a current V5C.
A completely unique and eye-catching vehicle for company promotion or just Show.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
