The Panther Rio is a saloon car made by British manufacturer Panther Westwinds, based on the Triumph Dolomite. According to the company, it differed from the family saloon-class Dolomite, in being finished to "Rolls-Royce standards". Only 38 were built between 1975 and 1977,[1] including the rarer Rio Especial variant, which was based on the high-performance Triumph Dolomite Sprint.
Background and concept
Fashion designer Robert Jankel founded Panther Westwinds to produce expensive and bespoke cars for the customer that wanted something entirely different. Such vehicles held a lucrative market at the time. Jankel began working on a car that would appeal to the Rolls-Royce owner looking to downsize to a more economical option without compromising on luxury or craftsmanship. Following the 1973 energy crisis, demand for cars with high fuel consumption began to diminish.
The Triumph Dolomite was chosen as the foundation for this concept due to its combination of advanced engine technology and traditional upright driving position. These features offered a balance of modern performance and classic appeal. The resulting car, named the Panther Rio, was launched in September 1975.
At launch, the car featured leather and walnut internal fittings, along with a hand-beaten aluminium skin.