The story began when Dan Panoz, while seeking a career in the automotive world, applied for a job at the Thompson Motor Company in Ireland in 1988. When that company was liquidated, he seized the opportunity to acquire the rights to one of its chassis designs by Frank Costin, the legendary engineer who had worked with Maserati, Lotus, and Lister. Using this design as a foundation, Dan returned to the United States and began developing what would become the first Panoz roadster.
In 1990, the first Panoz Roadster made its debut—a lightweight, aluminum-bodied sports car built by hand in a small facility near Atlanta, Georgia. The car’s design celebrated the simplicity and spirit of classic American open-top performance, combining powerful V8 engines with a minimalist approach to technology. In 1996, Panoz introduced the AIV Roadster (Aluminum Intensive Vehicle), one of the first all-aluminum cars produced in the U.S., further solidifying the brand’s engineering credibility.
Panoz’s ambitions soon extended beyond road cars. In 1997, the company entered professional racing to prove its engineering excellence on the global stage. The Panoz Esperante GTR-1 was created as a road-going supercar and a full-fledged endurance racer. It competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, standing out for its unconventional front-engine layout in a field dominated by mid-engine competitors.
Racing quickly became part of the company’s DNA. Panoz established the Panoz Racing School and expanded into motorsport management, launching the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in 1998 in collaboration with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest—the organizers of the original Le Mans event in France. That same year, the Panoz team won the U.S. Road Racing Championship, showcasing the brand’s competitiveness on home soil.
In 2000, Panoz developed the Esperante GTS, a race-prepared version built specifically for the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). It featured modular acrylic body panels for easy maintenance and affordability, making it a popular choice for private racing teams. The brand’s commitment to motorsport paid off in 2006 when the Panoz Esperante GTLM captured victory in the GT2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans—a landmark achievement that cemented Panoz as a serious contender in international racing.
Beyond endurance racing, Panoz cars have competed in series such as the American Le Mans Series, IMSA GT Championship, and various GT and prototype categories worldwide. The company also played a key role in developing hybrid racing technology and driver education programs through its racing school at Road Atlanta.
Every Panoz creation is a blend of American muscle and European-style precision, embodying the philosophy that a car’s soul belongs both on the road and on the racetrack. For enthusiasts seeking a truly handcrafted performance car with genuine motorsport pedigree, Panoz remains one of America’s most authentic and exclusive automotive names.
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