1998 Panoz AIV Roadster

Description

“Sounds Like Thunder, Goes Like Lightning” is how Panoz described their new Roadster in the late 1990s. The AIV(Aluminum Intensive Vehicle) Roadster was the brainchild of Dan Panoz, son of famous American entrepreneur and race team owner Don Panoz. Dan purchased the small Irish specialty automaker TMC in 1988, including a chassis designed by world-renowned engineer Frank Costin (Lotus, Lister, Marcos), a pioneer aerodynamicist and chassis designer. Another famous name, Freeman Thomas (VW New Beetle, Chrysler 300), was brought in to style the aluminum body. As good as the original Roadster was, Panoz made the 1996 AIV Roadster far better, with an extruded aluminum space frame, upgraded independent suspension, and more. A roomier interior with air conditioning and a soft top was another plus. Power was also increased by using the Mustang SVT Cobra all-aluminum DOHC 4.6-liter V8 producing 305 horsepower, backed by the Cobra’s “T45” five-speed manual gearbox and drivetrain. In the 2,600 pound AIV Roadster that results in zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, zero to 100 mph in 13 seconds.

Highlights

• Offered with just 2,398 miles at the time of listing  

• One of only 172 total Panoz AIV Roadsters and one of just 72 for 1998

• Blue Metallic paint (one of two built in this color)

• Tan leather interior

• All aluminum Mustang SVT Cobra DOHC 4.6-liter V8 producing 305 HP

• Borg-Warner T45 five-speed manual transmission

• Panoz in Hoschton, Georgia, maintains spares and expertise for servicing their vehicles

• Two-owner vehicle according to the clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report 

Features

• Body designed by Freeman Thomas

• Chassis designed by Frank Costin

• Four-wheel independent suspension  

• Power rack-and-pinion steering 

• Four-wheel disc brakes  

• Ford 8.8-inch differential with Traction-Lok 

• 18 inch Roush Performance wheels 

• Pirelli P Zero Nero tires, 245/40R18 front, 285/35R18 rear

• Extruded aluminum space frame

• Aluminum alloy body 

• Fiberglass fender flares

• Optional wind wings

• Air conditioning

• White-faced analog instrumentation

• Three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel

• Burl Walnut veneer interior trim

• CD player with two Eclipse speakers

• Black two-bow soft top

Known Imperfections

• The seller notes minor exterior blemishes and a paint chip on one side

Included

• Side curtains and carrying bag

• Panoz floor mats

• Owner's manual

Ownership History

According to the accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report, this 1998 Panoz AIV Roadster is a two-owner vehicle showing registration history in Ohio and California.