Panoz Esperante GT?
 

Yeah, the hardtop. It rains in Oregon. Anybody here ever had seat time in one?

Only on Gran Turismo (PS2), and it handled like crap. I'd imagine a real one would be better.

No seat time. I've seen maybe two down around here, which is interesting as this is the land of trend and the superficial. But I guess the Panoz is just not hip in L.A., which means it is hip.

I've seen endurance races with them. They're about as fast as the fastest Corvette, and probably lighter. Most important, I don't recall them breaking down. IIRC, 4.6 and 5.8 Ford engines with a beefed-up SVT drivetrain are the key.

For those asking what the heck is a Panoz Esperante?

Esperante

Thanks guys...I'm just wondering "what if" I want a toy car again... They kind of fascinated me. Sort of a USA made version of the TVR Tuscan that everybody loved when it was in a movie with John Travolta (sp?) Just thought the Panoz Esperante GT had really nice lines, a pretty bulletproof "cammer" Ford V-8 from the hottest Mustang...plus "made in the USA". Anybody familar with the Mustang Cobra should be able to work on one.

GP Imports in Wilsonville deals in Panoz's, I believe they have one there now (convertible), but at least it would give you a feel for the car. They have a Panoz race car as well (lent by Panoz I believe).

Joe Herme is a sales rep there I've talked to in the past. Good guy, races SCCA, NASA. He has raced their Panoz as well, could probably give you some good feedback on driving characteristics.

http://www.gpimports.com/new_preowned/all_inventory.html

Thanks...I've seen the GP imports ads. I like that they have a nice pool table in their waiting room. Dunno if I like that it's red felt though. Pool table felt should be green. period! ;) First, I need to get the '72S out of the garage. Then I'll give myself a year to see if I really miss having a "fun car". If I do, I'll look more seriously. Do you think the Panoz would fit a fat (250 or so) old 6'3" guy with a 34-35" inseam? I've seen only pics...some cars I think I'd like, I simply don't fit in. Seems to me, most "special" cars being made these days are for people 5' 10" and under. As I told Cindy on our honeymoon, I'm not willing to cut anything off. ;) (edit) Just clicked on the GP imports site...that Panoz ragtop is only 3,500 miles "used". Yet it's for sale for not a whole lot less than a GT3 they have on consignment (?). Makes me wonder what's wrong with both marques...these days. Really, what do I know?...I owned the same "toy car" for 37 years... Perhaps all the good cars were made in the past, and today's offerings are really krap? If I find that to be true, I really am being done as a "car guy". :confused: