1976 Panther DeVille

Panther Deville (Saloon), 1974-1985

The Panther Deville was in production from 1974 until 1985. Styled in house, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive saloon and convertible range seating four adults.

Inspired by the Bugatti Royale, the Panther Deville took the drivetrain of the Jaguar XJ6 and XJ12, the doors of the Austin Maxi and the overall appearance of the Bugatti and turned them into one of Britain's most expensive limousines. Hand built and hand trimmed, the Deville was the ultimate car for the person who had everything. The Deville's nouveau riche clientele included such names as Elton John and Oliver Reed - and for those who found the saloon too cheap at £23868, coachbuilt convertible versions were available using doors borrowed from the Jaguar XJC. 11 convertibles were built - as was a single pink and gold six door stretched limousine.

For years the convertible was Britain's most expensive car, over and above even the Rolls-Royce Camargue. For this reason among others, over 11 years just 60 Devilles of all types found homes - a number of which have been modified since by Disney for the 101 Dalmatians series, in which villainess Cruella De Vil is an ardent owner. Today they're rather better value than they were new, but prices are still high by the standards of 1970s luxury limousines. Not directly replaced, other marques including Mitsuoka and Zimmer have offered similar neoclassic saloons targeting a similar position in the market.

There are no true rivals to the Panther Deville - consider that in 1976, the £22843 price tag of the entry level 4.2 would have bought a Lagonda and a Jaguar XJ6 4.2... with change. Alternatively, a Silver Shadow lwb would have meant enough was left over to buy the butler a Mercedes-Benz 200, if the alternative were to be a Deville V12. If you like the idea of an automotive pastiche, consider a Stutz Blackhawk. If you want a hand made British luxury limousine, consider a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. Or if your bank balance is very healthy, consider the Bugatti Royale that inspired the Deville.