As per yesterday’s feature on the Panoz Roadster and hearing from Panoz-Founder, Dan Panoz and what led to the design and creation of such a unique and fun car we thought we’d take a look back at VIN #1, and find out where it is now.
As per our feature earlier this week on the Panoz Roadster and hearing from Panoz-Founder, Dan Panoz and what led to the design and creation of such a unique and fun car we thought we’d take a look back at, VIN #1 and find out where it is now.
In, 1990/91 Panoz built its second prototype chassis. It used the first aluminum alloy body panels from Superform USA on a stainless-steel tube frame. The car was fitted with a full roll cage and used as a test mule running at both Daytona (infield track) and Road Atlanta in track day and amateur events. It was driven by then Road Atlanta racing School instructor and professional IMSA GTP driver, Jeff Purner.
After the testing was complete, the car was dismantled and put into storage while the company concentrated on launching the road going version.
As the 1990’s rolled on, John A Leverett, prior to joining Panoz as the Vice President of Sales, bought the VIN #1 from Panoz and restored and registered it following the removal of the roll cage. John enjoyed many years of ownership and driving fun before selling the car to a dealer in Florida.
“The car was a lot of fun to drive”, said John. “I have many memories with it and loved the idea that in traditional Panoz style, it was a car tested on the racetrack, developed and bought to the streets for everyone to drive. The car is a wonderful part of Panoz history and a true reflection of what makes Panoz so special.”
Steve Bush purchased VIN #1 from the Florida dealer. Since owning the car, Steve went on to do track events including one at the racing capital of the world, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, earlier this year. Aside from this, Steve and his family enjoy the car, regularly drive it, and can be found at events all round Georgia.
“We really enjoy the car”, said Steve. “We use it all the time and have a lot of fun with it. It always gets attention and my family and I have had a lot of adventures with it.”
The car remains in excellent condition as can be seen from the photographs taken earlier this month when the car was visiting the Panoz museum for a service.
VIN#1 at Panoz in November 2017
VIN#1 at Panoz in November 2017
VIN#1 at Panoz in November 2017
VIN#1 at Panoz in November 2017
VIN#1 at Panoz in November 2017
A class win at the 2016 Atlanta Motoring Festival
A class win at the 2016 Atlanta Motoring Festival
At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
I was initially introduced to Panoz in the late 90’s. Not knowing the history and technology of their cars it took some time to convince me of the company and their vehicles value. After a few trips to the plant in Braselton, GA I returned to San Francisco completely energized that Panoz was a cutting edge manufacture and race team. As a guest of the factory, I attended the 2000 Le mans race. This was a true test of their LMP car placing 4th behind the awesome Audi R8s. In the next 2 years I represented their street cars, the AIV and Esperantes with much success. Meeting with Danny Panoz on several occasions, and Don Panoz at Le mans, are events that I will never forget. I wish to thank the Panoz family for their courtesy and very memorable years. Stephen Utermahlen