Simplify, Then Add V8: 1993 Panoz Roadster
The Panoz Roadster was launched in 1992 as an American interpretation of Colin Chapman’s legendary Lotus 7. If Chapman said “simplify, then add lightness”, then Don Panoz said “simplify, then add a Mustang V8.” The Roadster (later called the AIV Roadster) used Ford Mustang running gear, and powertrain installed in a welded steel chassis (the Aluminum Intensive Vehicle version later replaced the steel with aluminum for additional weight reduction). The end result was a 2571 lb Roadster with 240 horsepower 5.0 V8 (later upgraded to 305 horsepower with the 4.6 DOHC V8) and super car performance… at least super car performance for 1993 and a crazy price tag…at least usually. Today we’ve got a cheap example offered for a reasonable sum considering the rarity and cool factor. Find this 1993 Panoz Roadster offered for $25,000 in Dublin, GA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!
