**Notice to bidders - the cherished registration will not come with the car***
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 2022 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.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
