Panther Lima classic cars for sale

History of the Panther Lima

The Panther Lima was launched in the 1970s by Panther Westwinds, a small UK manufacturer renowned for stylish, hand-built sports cars inspired by classic British design. Developed as a tribute to the great British roadsters of decades past, the Lima drew heavily on classic styling cues but adopted proven mechanicals from the Vauxhall Viva and Magnum models, including their robust 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine. With lightweight fibreglass bodies produced by Industrial Marine Fibreglass in Devon, the Lima name became synonymous with traditional aesthetics paired with reliable, modern underpinnings. By the end of the original production run, Panther had produced over 500 Limas before upgrading the model with turbocharged options in 1979.

Model history

The Panther Lima initially appeared with chassis components from the Vauxhall Viva and stablemates. The original series made use of the Vauxhall 2.3-litre slant-four engine and was available primarily as a right-hand-drive car, though rare left-hand-drive models do exist. In 1979, the Mark II version arrived, featuring Panther’s own bespoke chassis, upgraded mechanicals, and subtle refinements in build. The Lima Turbo was introduced in the same period as a higher-performance variant. With less than 300 examples of the Lima Mk2 known to exist, these late-production vehicles are particularly sought after amongst enthusiasts familiar with mid-tier British sports cars.

Highlights of the Panther Lima

Hand-built construction, classic British styling, and a lively driving character define the Panther Lima. Its fibreglass bodywork makes it resistant to rust, while the Vauxhall engine and transmission ensure driving reliability and straightforward maintenance. Standard equipment often includes wire wheels, original leather seats, soft-top roof, and luxurious walnut veneer or thick carpets in the interior—creating a period-correct but still refined driving atmosphere. Rare left-hand-drive examples are especially notable for collectors. Distinctive colour schemes like British Racing Green or black/ivory add further to its unique status.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The Panther Lima Mk2, limited to a production run of around 300 units, is one of the most notable variations, featuring Panther’s own chassis and various design refinements. The Lima Turbo model introduced in 1979 provides a higher performance dimension. Left-hand-drive examples across the production range are particularly rare.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

With fibreglass coachwork, the Lima is naturally resistant to corrosion—eliminating many rust-related concerns typical for British classics of the era. The Vauxhall mechanical components mean good availability of consumable parts and straightforward repairs. Restoration is supported by a solid enthusiast network, and many examples are accompanied by documentation and restoration photos. As with any hand-built classic, inspecting for workmanship quality and the condition of bespoke features like leather upholstery and wood trim is important.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The Lima delivers a lively driving experience, thanks to its combination of a robust 2.3-litre Vauxhall engine and light fibreglass construction. The manual transmission, also sourced from Vauxhall, offers reliable shifting and a communicative connection to the rear wheels. Retro handling characteristics give the Lima a playful, direct feel—making it particularly fun on winding roads or for weekend touring. The Mk2 and Lima Turbo are the top picks for performance-oriented buyers, appreciated for their improved chassis and, in the Turbo’s case, added power.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Panther Lima models reflect distinctly British design values, echoing classics like Morgan and Allard in their proportions and styling. Interiors are typically appointed with high-quality leather seats, walnut veneer dashboards, thick carpeting, and a full array of period switchgear. Exteriors commonly feature wire wheels, side-mounted exhausts and two-tone paint schemes such as black with ivory or British Racing Green. Soft-top roofs are standard, catering to year-round usability. Accessories like original toolkits and matching tonneau covers are highly valued by Lima owners.

Other relevant features

Since the Lima is purely intended as a leisure car, many examples are used seasonally and display relatively low mileage. Left-hand-drive examples, while rare, have been produced specifically for export markets. Club support remains strong, making it easier for owners to obtain advice or source hard-to-find accessories.

Summary

The Panther Lima stands apart as a charismatic British roadster pairing traditional handmade quality with dependable Vauxhall mechanicals. Its all-fibreglass bodywork, bespoke interior finishes, and reliable drivetrain deliver enjoyable open-air motoring. With limited production numbers—especially for Mk2 and left-hand-drive variants—the Lima firmly anchors Panther’s heritage as a builder of individualistic British sports cars.