Pick of the Day: 2004 Panoz Esperante GTS racecar
From nicotine patches to performance cars
By David P. Castro - September 3, 2022
2004 Panoz Esperante GTS racecar
I owe Don Panoz a lot. I was a chain smoker for 14-years, a pack or more of Winston Lights a day, and the nicotine patch helped me quit smoking for the last time. I had a few relapses but the patch helped me kick my worst habit forever. Don Panoz’s company helped develop and still holds the worldwide patent for the nicotine patch. With his pharmaceutical earnings Panoz Auto Development was founded and car lovers got the Panoz Roadster. I guess I owe Don two solids for helping me kick the cigarettes to the curb and a great lineup of cars.
2004 Panoz Esperante GTS racecar
The Pick of the Day is a 2004 Panoz Esperante GTS racecar listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Kentwood, Washington. (Click the link to view the listing)
“This Panoz was built in 2017 with new body panels, a fresh motor, new fuel system, rebuilt brake calipers, and more,” the listing states. “The motor fires up with an appropriate roar and settles quickly to idle. The clutch and transmission both are strong as well. The interior is completely gutted apart from the necessities.”
Ford Racing 351cid V8
This Panoz is only for the track and is powered by a rebuilt Ford Racing 351ci V8 and features a DART block, an MSD ignition system, and has a 7,000 rpm redline. The seller states that the engine produces 516 horsepower and has 900 miles since the rebuild. A Tremec five-speed manual transmission and a Ford 9″ rear end sends power to the rear wheels.
2004 Panoz Esperante GTS racecar
The driver is kept safe in a Kirkey racing seat with a G-Force racing harness. A Stack ST8100 gauge display is mounted to the steering column and provides the driver with pertinent car performance information.
2004 Panoz Esperante GTS racecar
If you are looking for a track day car from an a manufacturer with an interesting back story this Panoz is the way to go. I owe Don Panoz for helping me get healthy and from that I will always love the cars his company produces.
This 2004 Panoz Esperante GTS racecar is available for $28,900 and the sale includes invoices, receipts, and installation instructions from the build. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Article Courtesy of Classiccars.com