Vehicle Description
Exotic. Elite. Roadster. American. All of these can be used to
describe this 2001 Panoz Esperante, and the best part is all these
attractive adjectives come in a race-inspired 320 hp package.
Panoz is one of those great exotic car companies that one day we
will talk about in the same way we do now about the post-war
coachbuilders of Europe. Only this story comes out of Georgia. The
Panoz family takes their racing knowledge honed on the track and
builds it into a few select road cars like this Esperante roadster.
The one part of this story that won't be like the small batch
Europeans is build quality. While we often joke about how poorly
those were built back in the day, Panoz really understands how to
make uniform panels out of strong and lightweight SPF aluminum. The
racer-grade alloy has been shaped into a unique and aggressive
design. This is a low mileage babied exotic, and so the original
silver paint still has an amazing luster that would make new cars
jealous. This level of care is reflected in all the other
components from the power folding roof, to this 17-inch BBS wheels
with Panoz center cap.
While this is a performance machine, it also was built to compete
with the luxury exotics. You get a premium interior with black
leather bucket seats and plenty of wood on the dash. It has great
features like power driver's seat, power windows, AM/FM/CD stereo,
power locks, dual airbag, cruise control, tilt wheel, keyless
entry, and ice cold air conditioning. Even with these added
luxuries, you'll know this is a driver's vehicle the moment you
grab the Momo performance steering wheel and turn the key to watch
the white-faced gauges do their dance.
The other great thing about turning the key is that it awakens the
beast in the engine bay. When you take a look under the hood,
you'll see Ford's 4.6-liter modular V8. This is an amazing 32-valve
powerhouse, and that Cobra on the intake reminds you of its
performance heritage. You get complete control over 320 hp
powerplant thanks to the five-speed manual transmission. Even
better is the race-inspired fully independent chassis that loves to
hug the road and begs for the long way home. Add in power steering,
four-wheel disc brakes, and grippy BF Goodrich gForce tires, and
you know this exotic is ready for the grand tour. Best of all, it
has averaged barely over 800 miles annually, which is more evidence
this Panoz was babied just like a cherished Mercedes or
Ferrari.
The Esperante is the kind of rare exotic that's built in low
numbers, which will always get you attention. If you don't know the
Panoz name already, you'll even get the original window sticker in
the sale. That way you'll get up to speed to where the rest of us
already know special this roadster really is. Call today!!!