Welcome new owners and members

[Rarity]

After I acquired my Esperante several years ago I was somewhat surprised to find my search for a Panoz forum was unsuccessful. Now after doing a Google search for the Abruzzi I'm pleased to have found this forum where I don’t have to explain exactly what is a Panoz. Even here in car crazy southern California, speaking to knowledgeable car guys and non enthusiasts alike, I must inform them what Panoz is all about when they ask "nice car,what is this?". Even my car insurance agent had to take a full day to figure it out. But you here know all about that. My car is a 2003, which returned to the factory in 2005 for some updates. I have a few questions which I’ll post in another thread. Thanks.

Welcome Got Panoz, We have answers!

[Hilly]

Hello from Long Island

Hey everyone,

Just registered, glad to be here, and I admittedly have lots to learn about the Panoz!

I have been increasingly smitten by the Panoz marquee. I currently own a Noble M12GTO, a car that I (for one) see parallels to with Panoz.

There's are two or three Panoz owners that I know of here on Long Island so it's rare I see one.

Anyway, I look forward to hanging here!

Hilly
Dix Hills, NY

[Boxer]

Hey everyone,

Just registered, glad to be here, and I admittedly have lots to learn about the Panoz!

I have been increasingly smitten by the Panoz marquee. I currently own a Noble M12GTO, a car that I (for one) see parallels to with Panoz.

There's are two or three Panoz owners that I know of here on Long Island so it's rare I see one.

Anyway, I look forward to hanging here!

Hilly
Dix Hills, NY

Is yours a US sourced Noble or did you bring it in from the UK?

[LeManns67]

Welcome to the forum Hilly. I have to say yes the Nobel is one bad ass car. Please post a couple of pics. I have the Nobel in th eback of my mind as another car I would like to add to the stable some day. I believe the Nobel are made with a couple of different engines platforms? What do you have and please educate us about the specs and ownership experience.

[Hilly]

Is yours a US sourced Noble or did you bring it in from the UK?

It's NUS0021, meaning Noble United States chassis #21. I did NOT originally import/build it (or rather, had it "assembled", as almost no one domestically has actually put their own cars together). Now that I think about it, though, I've certainly nearly REbuilt it since I got it!

Here are a few pics...

[Hilly]

Welcome to the forum Hilly. I have to say yes the Nobel is one bad ass car. Please post a couple of pics. I have the Nobel in th eback of my mind as another car I would like to add to the stable some day. I believe the Nobel are made with a couple of different engines platforms? What do you have and please educate us about the specs and ownership experience.

Thanks LeManns, good to be here.

Yeah, no doubt it's bad ass! It's been a very fun car though certainly a bit of a 'challenge' to own as well. I often say it's a car of "highs and lows" - meaning, when it's 'on' it's on and when it's not 'on' it is admittedly a bit frustrating.

I've had three major issues with the car since I got it - electrical as I purchased it (quickly cleared up and paid for by the former owner), engine tuning when I found out from the tuner who originally installed the engine that it had been tuned for C16 race gas (!), and over this past winter, a rebuilt trannie.

The good news is that while I see my fellow New York City area exotics owners dealing with similar issues from their 'reliable' factory Porches and Lambos and Ferraris, my repair bills are a fraction of theirs due to the relative simplicity of the Noble design and parts sourcing.

Speaking of which, like with Panoz, the Noble benefits from a great Ford connection. The standard engine is the Duratec 3.0l V6 (pretty much the same engine that's in my daily driver Contour SVT and the family hauling Windstar minivan). In the case of the Noble it's built up by AER in Texas and gets fitted with twin Garrett turbos (T25s standard though mine is upgraded with T28s). Base HP is 425 at the crank; in its heyday, mine was dynoed at 427 at the wheels (on the race juice), though it's since been detuned to something more compassionate to the engine and drivetrain.

As for your question about engines, all the M12 and M400s have the twin-turbo V6 described above, though MANY people tell me all the time they know or have heard of someone who's put in a different engine (I don't believe 'em). What confuses things is that the new Noble model, the M600 (developed since company founder Lee Noble left a few years ago) is using a Volvo-sourced V8. Also, the legendary Ultima, another car Lee Noble had a major hand in developing, primarily uses V8 LS2 engines. So that adds even more confusion. Oh, the new and improved Noble - redubbed Rossion as part of the buyout by the former U.S. importer of Nobles - uses the same V6 as the Noble. So if you're not a little confused at this point, you're not reading close enough!

[LeManns67]

Very, very nice. I really like the style of the car. Looks like you run with a few others with solid toys as well. It's what it's all about.

[PanozLeslie]

Almost new owner...

Howdy! I'm late in the purchasing process for a 2004 Esperante. If all goes well, I'll own one in a week. I'm glad I found this forum, I need to do my homework before I write a check for a car I've never seen in person before. I'll scour the forum for what I'm looking for before I pelt people with questions.

Just curious - any Panoz owners in Colorado?

[PanozLeslie]

I know I'm new here...

I know I just joined today, but I may have some hints about car shows. I own a remanufactured Delorean and attend about 25 car shows a year. While I've won some plaques and trophies, it's not as often as I should. I'm not being conceited, but the Delorean (like a Panoz) is a rare car and should trump most of the stuff that wins awards at shows.

Two things affect your chances at a car show: the category you're in and the car "awareness" of the judges. I would imagine that a Panoz has the same troubles as a Delorean when getting categorized...sports car? Sedan? Custom? By Model Year? If the show you're in doesn't have a separate Mustang category, you're hosed. Americans like Mustangs, and horsepower could be its own separate category. You could have the rarest sports car made at a show, and if a current-year Mustang is next to you, you won't even place. If that Mustang has any engine upgrades, that car will win several awards by itself. I'm not trying to be a jerk, I'm just telling what what 2+ years of shows has shown me. Corvettes could have their own shows!

My favorite car show experience was last year where my Delorean (in excellent condition, btw), a Sunbeam Tiger and a new Porche Boxster were all in the "Import" category. My own auto club members picked the Boxster for the trophy! The Boxter was so new that it hadn't even had the oil changed yet. A Sunbeam Tiger is even more rare than a Delorean and should've won. Most automobile judges pick the last thing they see with no regard for rarity, condition or contribution to the automotive world. I suppose at this show I'm talking about I could've purchased a new Nissan Quest and stood a good chance of winning the Import category.

I go to most shows to show my car, meet other car people and eat things bad for me. I do not expect to win anything and am rarely surprised. Since I have nothing to lose, I often engage the judges in pretty pointed conversations about the criteria for judging. I often point out that having children vote for the "coolest car" is about as thoughtful as some of the judges are.

If I end up owning a Panoz, I will be torn as to which of my cars to take to a show. I fully suspect some will mistake a Panoz Esperante for a Miata. Or a special version of a Corvette. Regardless, I go to shows to meet some great people and encourage Panoz owners to do the same.

Hi. I just registered as a new member. My name is Don Fryer. I have an '04 Esperante GT. Excellent condition, very low miles, full provenance. I have a nice car show presentation display including a Summary Chart and a detailed 3-ring binder. I detail the car before the show and keep it touched up during the show. I stay with the car. 1 of only 14 GTs ever built; 1 of only 2 (convertibles) in the Pewter Metallic. Lots of interest, questions, and picture taking from spectators at shows. But....I'm not winning, and against lesser competition. Most recently, lost to a Lotus Exige. Not detailed, no presentation, didn't even raise the hood or stay with the car. I am told that the problem is the typical car show categories, i.e. that Panoz does not fit into. I was required to select the entry category; the judges typically are not present at the registration tent. I selected Exotic/Foreign simply because it was the closest match, knowing obviously that the Esperante GT was exotic but not foreign. The other categories were like "Import/Domestic Sport Compact", "Late Model Muscle Car (post-'72)", etc. What are other Panoz owners doing to win car shows and what do I need to do to start winning? Thank you, and I look forward to actively participating in panozlife.

[PanozGTLM]

Howdy! I'm late in the purchasing process for a 2004 Esperante. If all goes well, I'll own one in a week. I'm glad I found this forum, I need to do my homework before I write a check for a car I've never seen in person before. I'll scour the forum for what I'm looking for before I pelt people with questions.

Just curious - any Panoz owners in Colorado?

Welcome and feel free to ask any Panoz questions.

[99PanozAIV]

Welcome

I've found another thing that affects the outcome and that is whether it's a club sponsored show. The club members tend to vote for each other's cars. I don't really have a problem with that if they're sponsoring the show.

You're right though about categories. I was at one show that had a roadster category. There was only one other car there besides me in that category and it was a beautiful supercharged Viper. I figured no way but surprise, surprise, I beat him (sitting still thankfully, LOL).

[Ackmann]

I find I just dont go to the shows much. Take too long. Cars & Coffee and TSD road rallies have been my thing. C&C is fun, loose and quick. 1 1/2 to 2 hours and no contest. Have met many other car guys and we get together a few times each summer for some good drives throught the country.

TSD Road-rallies are a blast and I highly recommend trying it.

[Rarity]

This is what I have found at car shows. Panoz does not clearly fit in any category, however it will get the most attention and you will be tired by the end of the day. As far as judging goes most Judges will not give you high marks being that they will be intimidated by a Car they know nothing about. When I did car shows i felt like it was a modern day Tucker and that car company is more well known at a car show. Will I show again, yes, do i need a Plastic and Marble Trophy presented by a Hooters Girl, well I guess not. If you have a pristine Panoz, please show it you will enjoy the attention it deserves.

[PanozLeslie]

I did it!

I bought the 2004 Chili Pepper Red GTLM this past Saturday, named "Leslie". I flew to Chicago and drove it back to Colorado. While driving through Nebraska early Sunday morning I should've pegged the speedometer but I didn't, just made it to 100. Very nice car. Now I have some modifications to do that every car owner does (radio swap, accessories, etc.).

This car gets more looks than my Delorean!

[PanozGTLM]

I bought the 2004 Chili Pepper Red GTLM this past Saturday, named "Leslie". I flew to Chicago and drove it back to Colorado. While driving through Nebraska early Sunday morning I should've pegged the speedometer but I didn't, just made it to 100. Very nice car. Now I have some modifications to do that every car owner does (radio swap, accessories, etc.).

This car gets more looks than my Delorean!

Congrats on your purchase! Please keep up posted on the mods your doing to the car. I for one would like to know what the altitude of Colorado does to the performance of the supercharged engine? I have had my Esperante over 130+ and she had alot more in her.