Panther De Ville
Robert Jankel's Panther De Ville represented the ultimate in automotive excess, evoking the grandeur of pre-war Bugatti Royales with modern Jaguar reliability. Each car took six months to build by hand, featuring traditional coachbuilding techniques, sumptuous leather interiors, and Wilton wool carpets. Despite weighing over two tons, the Jaguar V12 provided adequate performance. Celebrity owners included Elton John and Oliver Reed, cementing its status as a rock star's ultimate statement vehicle.
Verify coachwork condition as traditional ash frame construction is vulnerable to rot. Jaguar V12 mechanicals are well-supported but fuel-thirsty. Interior restoration costs can be astronomical due to bespoke materials. Provenance and celebrity ownership add significant value.
Only 60 De Villes were built between 1974-1985, each virtually bespoke to customer specifications. Bodies were hand-formed aluminum over ash frames using traditional coachbuilding methods. Most used Jaguar XJ12 5.3L V12 engines and running gear.