The Panther J.72 was a luxury car which was sold from 1972 to 1981. The two-door roadster was the first production vehicle of the Panther Westwinds company.[1] Styled to evoke the Jaguar SS100, 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 aluminium 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. The first units were assembled at Michael Walker's garage, Woking. The chassis was supplied by Geoff Jago near Chichester. The engines and gearboxes came from Forward Engineering, Coventry. The chassis was built up then sent away to have the body fitted, returned for engine fitting, then sent to the trimmers for the interior and hood. Final work and start-up was carried out at Michael Walkers, Woking, including test drives around the local country roads.
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.