1984 Panther DeVille

£ 79 950
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  • One of only 60 ever constructed and even fewer in LHD
  • Certainly one of the world's finest examples
  • Recently fully re-trimmed to a high standard
  • Most desirable 5.3 Litre V12 variant
  • The most expensive British production car at launch
  • A favourite of Rockstars and Hollywood Glitterati alike
  • The legendary onscreen car of choice for Cruella De Vil

Produced between 1974 and 1985, around 60 De Villes were handmade and were known for being expensive, with the convertible being listed as the most expensive production car in Britain for many years. The De Ville had a wheelbase of 142 inches and was powered by either a Jaguar straight-six or a V12 engine. The exterior was designed to resemble the Bugatti Royale, with flowing wing lines and large headlights. 

Inside, the De Ville had a modern cockpit despite the pre-war styling of the exterior. It was equipped with Jaguar suspension, power steering, and automatic transmission, making it easy to drive and relatively quick. The speed was limited, however, by poor aerodynamics. Due to the De Ville’s stylish exterior and luxurious interior, often including TV Sets and drinks bars, they appealed to the rich and famous of the time. 

The extravagant Panther De Ville attracted a certain type of owner. Famous owners include the singer Elton John, Boxer George Foreman, the Shah of Iran, French singer Johnny Hallyday and sharer of the famous moniker, one Cruella De Vil! 

In the original animated film, Cruella drove a custom black and white 1974 Panther De Ville Saloon, which was similar in styling to the car she drove in the original book. In Disney’s 101 Dalmatians in 1996 and the subsequent 102 Dalmatians 4 years later, Cruella also drove a Panther De Ville, and again in 2021 for the film Cruella in 2021, when a Chevrolet V8 engine replaced the Jaguar engine. 

Another famous De Ville owner was British actor and infamous hell-raiser, Oliver Reed. Appearing in diverse film roles such as the Hammer gothic horror franchise, the 1968 Oscar-winning musical “Oliver!” and Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator”, he was known as much for his private life as he was his acting. He’s pictured above with his Panther De Ville, which was made for him in 1979 and included a larger boot to accommodate a fridge and a shotgun case along the back seat.