Panoz Roadster
The Panoz Roadster is a modern American take on the lightweight, V8-powered sports car, debuting as the brand's first model. It's a rare, hand-built collector's car, with later AIV models featuring an advanced bonded aluminum chassis.
Find one with Spotter →Panoz Roadster sold for a median of $38,000 over the last 12 months, based on 9 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $35,200 and $46,750. 4 currently for sale.
The Panoz Roadster was the first model from Dan Panoz's new car company, debuting in 1992. It's a modern American take on the classic British roadster formula, combining a lightweight chassis with a powerful V8. Early cars used a steel frame, but the later AIV (Aluminum Intensive Vehicle) Roadster featured an advanced bonded and riveted extruded aluminum chassis, reducing weight to just 2,570 pounds.
Collectors appreciate the Roadster for its rarity and hand-built nature. Fewer than 250 were produced in total, including just 176 of the more desirable AIV models. Power comes from a reliable Ford SVT Cobra-sourced 4.6L DOHC V8 producing 305 horsepower, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. It's a raw, unfiltered driving experience that offers a unique alternative to mainstream sports cars.
With only 22 sales tracked, the market is small and specialized. The average price of around $41,000 makes it an accessible entry into the world of low-production, hand-built cars. Values have remained steady, supported by a dedicated enthusiast base that values the car's unique engineering and American racing connection.
Buying Tips
- The aluminum space frame on AIV models is the car's centerpiece. Inspect it thoroughly for any signs of accident damage or corrosion, as repairs are highly specialized.
- Aluminum body panels are lightweight but dent easily. Check for dings, waves, and poor paint repairs. Panel gaps were never perfect from the factory, but significant misalignment can indicate past damage.
- The Ford-sourced 4.6L V8 and 5-speed transmission are robust and easy to service. Check for maintenance history and listen for any unusual noises from the valvetrain.
- The interior is sparse and weather protection is minimal. Expect some wear on leather surfaces and verify the condition and fitment of the soft top and side curtains.
Prices range from about $25,300 for fair condition examples to $64,000 for top-tier cars.
76 Panoz Roadster vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 4 currently live.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Panoz Roadster cost?
Over the last 12 months, Panoz Roadster sold for a median of $38,000 across 9 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $35,200 and $46,750. There are 4 currently for sale.
How many Panoz Roadster listings are for sale right now?
There are 4 Panoz Roadster listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.