Panther owners plan a raft of celebrations in 2012

| 17 Feb 2012

Among a welter of car club anniversaries this year, one group that is determined not to be overshadowed by some of the bigger marques and models is the ever-active Panther Car Club.

The club has four key reasons for celebration in 2012:

  • 40 years of Panther (founded by Robert Jankel in 1972)
  • 40 years of the J72
  • 30 years of the Kallista
  • 35 years since marking the Queen's Silver Jubilee with the special edition 1977 Jubilee Lima 

A series of special events will start at Techno Classica Essen in Germany – where there is always a fine Panther turn-out – from 21-25 March.

In June there are two European tours planned. The first is hotel-based and will pass through France, Belgium and Germany, the second will be camping while travelling through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Croatia.

The main event will be the club's International Grand Gathering of Panthers at the Brooklands Museum on 1 September to which all Panther owners and ex-factory workers are invited.

Club chairman Val Bridges said: "After the recent success at the NEC Birmingham where the club won C&SC's Best Themed Stand award, I am sure as the 2012 season for driving our Panthers gets into full swing that Brooklands will be the highlight of a most active and successful year.

"Members from all over the UK and Europe will be descending on the 'Home of Panthers' to celebrate the 40th year of production and if Robert Jankel were alive today I am sure he would be proud of what he achieved in the production of these wonderful British cars."