Robert Jankel, English businessman, founded Panther Westwinds (d. 2005)

Robert Stephen Jankel (1 January 1938 – 25 May 2005) was a distinguished British designer and entrepreneur, widely celebrated for his innovative work in the luxury automotive sector. He carved a unique niche by creating exquisite limousines, highly secure armoured vehicles, and a diverse range of other bespoke speciality cars. Jankel's significant contributions extended beyond custom coachbuilding; he was also the visionary founder of the notable automotive manufacturer, Panther Westwinds.

Jankel's design philosophy centered on unparalleled luxury, meticulous craftsmanship, and often, enhanced security. His firm gained international renown for transforming high-end production vehicles, particularly Rolls-Royce and Bentley models, into custom-tailored masterpieces. These conversions ranged from extended-wheelbase limousines offering unparalleled passenger comfort and amenities like integrated bars, advanced entertainment systems, and privacy partitions, to specialised shooting brakes and estate cars designed for discerning clients with unique lifestyle requirements. His armoured vehicles, built to various ballistic and blast protection standards, were sought after by heads of state, royal families, and high-net-worth individuals globally, providing discreet yet robust personal security.

The Legacy of Panther Westwinds

In 1972, Robert Jankel founded Panther Westwinds, an independent British automotive company based in Byfleet, Surrey. The company rapidly distinguished itself by producing limited-run, handcrafted luxury and sports cars that often blended nostalgic designs with modern mechanicals. Panther Westwinds' vehicles were renowned for their distinctive styling and exclusivity, appealing to a clientele that desired something truly unique. Among its most iconic models were:

• Panther J72: Launched in 1972, this model was a stylish homage to the classic Jaguar SS100, featuring Jaguar mechanical components and a retro-inspired design that quickly gained popularity.
• Panther De Ville: Introduced in 1974, the De Ville was perhaps the most extravagant of Panther's creations, drawing inspiration from the Bugatti Royale. It often featured Rolls-Royce engines and interiors, becoming a symbol of opulence and custom coachbuilding.
• Panther Kallista: A more mainstream success, the Kallista (introduced in 1982) was a two-seater roadster with a classic appearance, often using Ford mechanicals, making it more accessible while maintaining a bespoke feel.
• Panther Solo: A bold departure for the company, the Solo (launched in 1989) was a technologically advanced, mid-engined sports car designed to compete with high-performance vehicles of its era, showcasing Jankel's versatility beyond retro designs.

Under Jankel’s leadership, Panther Westwinds became a symbol of British bespoke automotive excellence, producing approximately 500 cars annually at its peak before facing financial difficulties and changing ownership in the late 1980s. Despite these challenges, Jankel remained involved in specialist vehicle production through other ventures, continuing his passion for automotive innovation until his passing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert Jankel

Who was Robert Jankel?

Robert Stephen Jankel was a prominent British designer and entrepreneur known for founding Panther Westwinds and his expertise in creating bespoke luxury limousines, armoured vehicles, and other unique custom automobiles.

What types of vehicles did Robert Jankel design?

He specialised in custom limousines (often based on Rolls-Royce or Bentley chassis), high-security armoured cars for VIPs, and a variety of other unique vehicles including shooting brakes, luxury estate car conversions, and even one-off concept cars.

What was Panther Westwinds?

Panther Westwinds was an independent British automotive company founded by Robert Jankel in 1972. It was renowned for producing limited-edition, handcrafted luxury and sports cars, often featuring retro styling combined with contemporary mechanicals, such as the Panther J72, De Ville, and Kallista.

What made Panther Westwinds cars unique?

Panther Westwinds cars were unique due to their bespoke, handcrafted nature, often drawing inspiration from classic designs while integrating modern engines and components. Their exclusivity and distinctive styling appealed to a niche market seeking luxury and individuality.