Highlights
- One of only 897 ever produced
- Recent recommissioning
- Great history file
The Appeal
The Panther Lima is a bit of an underdog. Largely unrecognised, the Lima is a two-seater open top sportster utilising suspension from a Vauxhall Magnum and running gear (an already well handling car) and fitted with a 2.3-litre Vauxhall engine propelling the lightweight car with ease. A proper little backroad bully.
This particular example is in great mechanical form, and of seemingly original state with some recent recommissioning to ensure its performance is up to par, costing the owner in excess of £2,500.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered on the 18th of July 1979
- Five previous keepers, not including the current owner
- MOT carried out on the 5th of May 2023 and passed with zero advisories
- MOT valid until the 4th of May 2024
- V5C is present and in the current owners name ready for transfer of ownership
- Nice history file with invoices from mechanical work undertaken
- Rarely used example with a low mileage of only 38,247 miles
- Garage kept when not in use
The Interior
- Unapologetically original with telling patina
- Leather seats show some heavy signs of age in the form of cracks and wear
- Original steering wheel present with only some corrosion noticed on the bolts on the central hub, the outer rim only has some gentle signs of use with no apparent damage
- Gauges all function as they should and remain easy to read
- Dashboard has signs of patina throughout however appears free from cracks or splits
- Carpets are original showing signs of age from stains and wear
- Door cards are in reasonable condition with gentle wear, and the upper brightwork has signs of fading and could use a little polish
- Pioneer cassette player with station memory, and a pioneer speaker mounted behind the seats
The Exterior
- Red and black two-tone paintwork is seemingly well presented with only few gentle age related marks
- Original grill shows its age with faded brightwork and gentle marks
- Original vented bonnet with hood pins gives a sporty aesthetic
- Original wire spoke wheels are present with some signs of patina
- Brightwork bumpers do show some signs of pitting and could use a little TLC
- Front and rear light clusters appear to be free from any damage and water ingress and remain completely functional
- Brightwork around the window frames is in good condition with only light fading, nothing some polish won’t bring back up to par
- Vinyl removable top appears to be in great condition with only a very small tear at the back just above the pins on the driver side - easy to miss
- All body panels appear to be original and free from any corrosion thanks to the use of aluminium panels
The Mechanics
- 2.3-litre Vauxhall inline-four cylinder engine
- 4-speed manual transmission is reported to be faultless with nice confident shifts between gears, no unwelcome crunches or grinds
- Rear-wheel drive configuration
- Steering remains precise and agile thanks to the Magnum suspension and running gear used, good road feedback is present and the turn-in gives you excellent confidence
- Brakes are reported to be fully functional thanks to both front and rear being replaced during the recent recommissioning undertaken
- Timing belt and water pump replaced recently, as well as the master cylinder
- Carbs recently cleaned and had the diaphragm replaced
- Seemingly excellent mechanical health with a clean MOT pass, this Lima is ready for the road and for a new owner to enjoy it to the fullest
Summary
A rare sight is any Lima, especially one which has been cared for over the years having been owned by those who have no regard to the cost of upkeep. The recent expenditure and mechanical work has brought this Panther back to life and ready to roar down some twisty roads.
This would make a welcome addition to anyone's driveway, an absolute bundle of fun and it looks outstanding while putting a massive grin on your face.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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