2004 Panoz Esperante GTLM 2-dr Convertible

Designer: Dan Panoz

Estimate: $40,000 - $65,000 Without Reserve

Chassis Number: 1P9PB47344B213002

Decoded: 1=USA; P=Panoz; 9=Esperante;

Engine: 4.6L Ford "SVT" V8

Supercharged/320 bhp

6-Speed Manual Transmission

Four Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Odometer: 9,050 Miles

Aluminum and Carbon Fiber Built

Limited Production

Ford V8 Drive-Train

The Model - Dan Panoz grew up admiring sports cars. So much so that in 1989 he established Panoz LLC with one purpose in mind, to build the most technologically advanced sports car in America. He wanted to produce his cars in limited numbers, and at the same time produce a line of competition vehicles that would blow the doors off all challengers. His first production vehicle, the AIV, or Aluminum Intensive Vehicle, explored the use of lightweight alloys in the production of sports cars. His next production attempt was equally innovative with the Esperante. Released in 2001, this was the marriage of his expertise in using aluminum alloys and the emerging carbon-fiber technologies. As with the AIV, he turned to his contacts at Ford and once again used the 4.6L Modular V8, supercharged and rated officially at 320 HP. The Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission was employed and the rest was history. Each car was produced at Panoz's Braselton, Georgia, facility using skilled craftsmen who made sure the bodies were as smooth as glass and trimmed with old-world skills. Limited in production, this exotic sports car is a pure-bred American product ready for the road.

The Car - Panoz used the Ford 4.6 Liter SVT engine originally developed for use in the Cobra Mustang program. Hand-assembled these DOHC power plants are the top-of-the-performance-line. Riding on a set of Yokohama tires, the factory alloy wheels, this dark Charcoal Gray has been gingerly cared for. With the tan leather seats looking as they did when new, this rare GTLM model shows off the skill that was used to assemble this car. Upon close inspection, we did note a couple of minor blemishes to the paint, but the overall appearance is excellent as are all of the operational systems. R134a air-conditioning will keep you cool, the Alpine AM-FM-CD stereo will keep you entertained, the white-faced SVT gauges will keep you informed and the Supercharged 4.6 Liter V8 will keep you on the move. This vehicle has never been smoked in, adult owned and well-maintained since new. With a price of over $100,000 when new 13 years ago, here is a chance to own a vehicle that will turn heads and might just be the most intriguing super-car you could own.