Get ready for a story that's a true British gem, a tale of ambition and innovation that almost defied the odds!
The Panther Solo 2, a car with a name as unique as its story, could have been Britain's answer to the legendary supercars of its time. Imagine a car with the spirit of a lion, ready to roar onto the automotive scene.
A British Hero in the Making
In 1989, Car magazine hailed the Solo 2 as a game-changer, a sports car that could rival the iconic E-type Jaguar. Behind this bold statement was Panther, a company with a retro twist, known for its Kallista, a budget-friendly Morgan lookalike. But with a new owner, Young Chull Kim, the company's focus shifted towards the future.
The Solo's Journey
The Solo project began as an affordable, lightweight sports car with a mid-engine and rear-wheel drive. Designed by Ken Greenley, a tutor at the Royal College of Art, and engineered by Len Bailey, who had worked on legendary cars like the Ford GT40, the Solo made its debut in 1984. However, a test drive of Toyota's MR2 changed everything. Kim realized the Solo needed an upgrade to compete with the Japanese giant.
A New Vision
The team reassembled with a bigger dream. If they couldn't match Toyota, why not take on Porsche? Over three years, the Solo 2 took shape. Greenley had free rein, and the design evolved, adding rear seats and softer lines. The pop-up headlamps were replaced with rotating covers, enhancing aerodynamics, a key focus for the team, which collaborated with a Formula 1 team. The result? A car that generated positive downforce, a true engineering marvel.
Innovative Structure
The Solo 2's structure was ahead of its time. A steel spaceframe supported an aerospace-inspired aluminum honeycomb body, bonded with epoxy fiberglass. The front featured a crushable structure, similar to F1 cars, ensuring it met global crash standards. The suspension was independent, and Panther's decision to omit anti-roll bars was based on the car's low center of gravity and high roll stiffness.
A Test Drive to Remember
Andrew Frankel, writing for Goodwood, recalled a test drive at Castle Combe. He praised the Solo's handling, describing it as superior to established brands. It navigated bumps with ease and had exceptional steering.
Powering the Dream
To match its handling, Panther turned to the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth's 2-liter, 200-hp turbocharged engine. They opted for all-wheel drive, a unique feature at the time, requiring an in-house transfer system and a Ferguson center differential. The torque split favored the rear wheels, and a Borg-Warner T5 manual transmission ensured smooth gear changes.
A Controversial Engine Choice?
But here's where it gets controversial. The engine, while powerful, lacked the refinement expected in a supercar. Frankel described it as sounding like "a bag of bolts in a blender." Gavin Green from Car magazine agreed, saying the Solo 2 "lacks pedigree and power." It seemed the Solo's handling prowess couldn't make up for its engine's shortcomings.
A Promising Start, a Disappointing End
Despite initial enthusiasm and 125 orders, the Solo 2's development process dragged on, and customers began to lose patience. The media's change of heart didn't help, and only 13 cars were delivered.
A Lasting Impression
Autocar summed up the Solo's legacy in 1990, praising Panther's innovation and design integrity. While its rivals, technically superior, would outlive the Solo, it was the Solo that showcased the future of automotive design.
And this is the part most people miss: the Panther Solo 2, despite its shortcomings, left an indelible mark on the automotive world. It's a reminder that sometimes, even heroic failures can inspire and innovate.
What do you think? Was the Solo 2 ahead of its time, or did it fall short of its ambitious goals? Let's discuss in the comments!
