Panoz-Ford Esperante GTR-1 - 1988 Le Mans - Autoart 1/18

This model by Autoart is well detailed and captures the essence of the Esperante very well. An interesting model to add to any race collection.

This Panoz sportscar was an effort by Dan Panoz to produce a front-engined 'muscle' American car to compete against the well established sports and race car manufacturers in the GTR category.

In 1998, the Esperante GTR had its most successful season showing well against formidable oppostion. This model represents the car that finished 7^th at Le Mans.

It won numerous races in the USA and Europe and finished first in the Teams and Constructors championships in the USSRC.

Powered by a 6-litre Ford V8, it sounded awesome....!

In 1999 the Esperante GTR no longer complied with revised GT regulations in Europe and was not competitive in the USA anymore. Panoz decided to convert the Esperante into an LMP-1 sportscar by removing the roof, revising the aerodynamics and upgrading the chassis. See attached pictures.

Astonishingly this LMP-1 Roadster won races against full sports prototypes entered by likes of Audi, BMW, Ferrari and so on! It won the LMP Teams championship. They continued to be used until 2003.

In excellent condition and supplied in a clear display box and not the cardboard box.

Imported and from my private collection. More models to come.