1978 Panther J72 4.2
Highlights
- Rare hand-built, aluminium-bodied J72
- Same owner since 1990
- Recent overhaul including re-chroming
- Luxurious & distinctive British roadster
- Very original including factory options
The Appeal
Robert Jankel’s Panther J72 was clever and unusual. Taking inspiration from Jaguar’s beautiful SS100, Jankel conceived a remarkable hand-built car that mixed those classic lines with modern luxury and technology, much of it derived, appropriately enough, from Jaguar.
The J72 was a success. Of the 368 built between 1972 and 1981 several were bought by celebrities, including Freddie Mercury and Elizabeth Taylor. Each car was hand-crafted with aluminium panels and individually bespoked to owner requirements.
This late 1978 car is very original, retaining its stylish Gold Spice metallic paintwork, black leather interior and array of factory options. It has 4.2litre Jaguar XK running gear. The seller has owned the car since 1990, recently treating it to an overhaul that included rechroming and localised cosmetic fettling by a classic car specialist. With lots of history and in great running order, there are surely few more distinctive and fun ways to get from A to B than in this magnificent British rarity.
The History and Paperwork
- First UK registered on 8th November 1978
- Seven registered keepers
- Acquired by seller on 29th January 1990
- One of only 368 built between 1972 and 1981
- Plaque on vehicle confirms September 1978 build date
- Good history file including sales documents, service history, tax discs and old MOTs
- MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt as registered with DVLA as a Historic Vehicle
- Last MOT expired 30th November 202 with no advisories and 16,545 miles showing
- Sparing use with MOT history shows 16,504 miles in 2010
- Under bonnet sticker shows service at 16,493 miles in April 2002
Factory fitted options, which it retains:
- Independent front suspension
- Luggage rack
- Chrome wire wheels
- Electric aerial
- Radio cassette player
- Air conditioning (vendor advises this needs serviced)
The Condition
- Original Gold Spice metallic paintwork in good order
- Rechromed exterior fittings including factory fitted rear luggage rack
- Chrome wire wheels with Avon Turbosteel tyres
- Black fabric roof in good order with clear rear screen and matching tonneau
- Factory side screens with sliding windows and storage bags
- Underside in good order with no issues to report or noted on last MOT
- Black leather interior with plump, comfortable seats showing very light wear
- Veneer double-cowl dashboard in good order with clear, factory-fitted dials
- Period radio fitted
- Four spoke vintage-style steering wheel with leather rim
The lovely Gold Spice paintwork of this J72 suits the car’s evocative vintage lines, the chrome detailing neatly accenting the hand-crafted features. It is all in very good order, helped by recent rechroming but also a reflection of the long term keeper’s careful, sparing use and clear love of the car.
Inside the interior is also pleasingly factory correct and well kept, the big leather seats showing only light wear and the double-cowled dashboard in well kept order. This luxurious car is even fitted with air conditioning.
The black roof fits well and is in good order, supplied complete with a tonneau and tight fitting side screens which come with their factory-supplied storage bags.
The Mechanics
- 4,235cc Jaguar XK straight six engine
- 3spd automatic gearbox
- Independent front suspension
- Well maintained car with thick history file
- Recent recommissioning by specialist with no reported issues
The joy of the J72 is that it mixes those vintage lines with modern mechanicals - or as modern as 1978 allowed. That means dependable Jaguar running gear, including the durable XK 4.2litre motor and 3spd automatic gearbox. For modern day buyers the result is a classically styled car that doesn’t require compromises on reliability and performance.
This car has been very sparingly used by the seller during his 34 years tenure. Recently been recommissioned by specialist Hightone it is said to be in very good order with no running issues for the buyer to attend to.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1979
- Make Panther
- Model J72
- Colour Gold
- Odometer 16,605 Miles
- Engine size 4235
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Bicester
- Location Oxfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
The Gallery
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