Panoz

Panoz, an American manufacturer of luxury sports cars, was founded in 1989 by Dan Panoz, the son of pharmaceutical magnate Don Panoz. The brand initially developed the Panoz Roadster in 1992, marking its entry into the market with a focus on hand-crafted vehicles that reflected the spirit of classic American roadsters. A key innovation was the Panoz AIV Roadster, released in 1995, which became the first U.S. car built with aluminum-intensive construction. This focus on cutting-edge technology and craftsmanship laid the foundation for the company’s blend of road-going sports cars and motorsport pursuits. 

Don Panoz’s significant involvement in motorsport began in 1997 when he initiated Panoz’s participation in endurance racing to promote the brand. That year, Panoz developed the Esperante GTR-1, a racing car that could also be made street-legal, which took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and various international endurance events. Don’s motorsport ambitions led to the creation of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in 1999, a major development that helped reinvigorate endurance racing in the U.S. and worldwide. The Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S, a front-engine prototype, gained attention for its distinct design and the raw power of its American V8 engine. The Panoz cars competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, achieving notable results, including a fifth-place overall finish in 2000 and several top-10 finishes over the years.