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Panther De Ville
Neo-classic luxury vehicle
Neo-classic luxury vehicle
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| name | Panther De Ville |
| image | 1978 Panther De Ville Saloon 5.3 V12 chassis no 2117, front left.jpg |
| manufacturer | Panther Westwinds Ltd |
| production | 1974–1985 |
| 60 produced | |
| assembly | United Kingdom: Weybridge, England |
| designer | Robert Jankel |
| body_style | {{ubl |
| layout | FR layout |
| engine | {{ubl |
| transmission | 3-speed automatic (1974–1976) |
| 4-speed automatic (1977–1985) | |
| wheelbase | 142.0 in |
| length | 204.0 in |
| width | 71.0 in |
| height | 61.0 in |
| weight | 4370 lb |
60 produced | 4-door saloon | 2-door coupé | 2-door convertible | 6-door limousine | 4.2 L Jaguar XK6 I6 | 5.3 L Jaguar V12 4-speed automatic (1977–1985)
The Panther De Ville is a neo-classic luxury vehicle which was produced by Panther Westwinds, a British speciality car maker, from 1974 to 1985. The De Ville was conceived by Robert Jankel to appeal to the taste of nouveau riche customers, including singer Elton John and actor Oliver Reed. About 60 De Villes were hand-built, including eleven two-door convertibles (for many years Britain's most expensive listed production car), and one pink and gold six-door limousine.
With a wheelbase of 142 in, the tubular-framed De Ville used a straight-six engine or a V12 engine from Jaguar Cars. The flowing wing lines and big headlights of the De Ville were styled to imitate the Bugatti Royale.
The Panther De Ville was equipped with Jaguar suspension, power steering and automatic transmission, so it was an easy car to drive and quite quick, although poor aerodynamics tended to keep the top speed low. Interiors were lavish and often featured TV sets and drinks bars. The doors of the De Ville were from the BMC 1800 family car.

A Panther De Ville was used in Disney's live-action movies 101 Dalmatians (1996), 102 Dalmatians (2000) and two De Villes for the film Cruella (2021) as Cruella de Vil's car. The Jaguar engine in the car was replaced with a small-block Chevrolet V8 to better withstand the rigours of stunt driving. The Panther de Ville was hand painted by Alexander Mitchell.
References
References
- Buckley, Martin. (2004-04-30). "Cars of the Super Rich". Motorbooks.
- (September 1979). "Salon 1979: Toutes les Voitures du Monde". Homme N°1.
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