This 2002 Panoz Esperante is a black-over tan convertible that is powered by a hand-assembled 4.6-liter Ford DOHC V8 mated to a five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Equipment includes a power-retractable black convertible top, carbon-fiber interior trim, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, traction control, a carbon-fiber engine cover, four-wheel independent suspension, and optional chrome-finished 18″ BBS wheels. The car spent time in Florida and Georgia before it was acquired by the seller in June 2021, and…
This 2002 Panoz Esperante is a black-over tan convertible that is powered by a hand-assembled 4.6-liter Ford DOHC V8 mated to a five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Equipment includes a power-retractable black convertible top, carbon-fiber interior trim, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, traction control, a carbon-fiber engine cover, four-wheel independent suspension, and optional chrome-finished 18″ BBS wheels. The car spent time in Florida and Georgia before it was acquired by the seller in June 2021, and it now has 31k miles.
The Esperante’s body panels are constructed of superplastic-formed aluminum and mounted over a modular extruded-aluminum chassis with bonded and bolted steel subframes. This example is finished in black metallic and equipped with a power-retractable black soft top with a plastic rear window.
Optional 18″ BBS wheels wear Panoz-logo center caps and are mounted with 245/45 front and 275/40 rear BFGoodrich g-Force Super Sport A/S tires. The Esperante is equipped with an independent rear axle and braking components sourced from the contemporary Mustang Cobra, as well as four-wheel independent suspension featuring pushrod and rocker-actuated adjustable coilovers at the rear.
The bucket seats are upholstered in tan leather, and matching leather extends to the dashboard, center console, and door panels. Features include a ten-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, carbon-fiber trim, air conditioning, cruise control, and a Kenwood stereo. Creased leather is visible on the driver’s seat.
The centrally mounted instrument cluster sourced from a Mustang Cobra includes a 160-mph speedometer, a tachometer with a 6,800-rpm redline, and auxiliary gauges. The digital odometer indicates 31k miles.
The 4.6-liter DOHC V8 was hand-assembled at Ford’s Romeo, Michigan engine plant and is equipped with an optional carbon-fiber engine cover. Claimed output was 320 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.