Mitchell Panther

DRIVETRAIN
* Transmission: Packard Ultramatic transmission

BODY * All fiberglass body
* Wheelbase: 122"

According to Bill Nichols of Owosso, MI, designer Dick Teague first sketched out the Packard Panther design in 1953. Often referred to as the "fabulous fiberglass Panthers," there were only four Packard Panthers ever made, two 54s and two 54 s. The first two were show cars, which Packard toured across the country. They were produced to convince the Packard Companys own employees, and the public at large, that Packard had inspiring cars. Panther Number One, pictured here, was dubbed, "Panther Daytona."

"The second pair of Panthers one a hard top, the other a convertible - were produced for the two men who headed up the two companies that fabricated the bodies for the cars: Don Mitchell of Mitchell-Bentley, and Rick Terry of Creative Industries. These two Panthers were redesigned with "cathedral" rear taillights.

"They all had one-piece fiberglass bodies. The two firms in quick fashion passed the Panther project back and forth to form the individual panels, and then assemble them into one seamless piece. Creative Industries a close competitor to the "Glasspar" fiberglass firm - made the plaster molds for the fiberglass layups, while Mitchell did the final trim assemblies in Ionia, MI.

"They were all roadsters, with just one seat. They came at a time when sports car fever was rampant what with the new Corvette, Thunderbird, the Darrin, and even the Nash-Healey. Unfortunately, Packard didnt have the financial wherewithal to put the Panthers in production, so the idea died with these four.

Above is the 1954 1/2 model Mitchell Panther with larger tail fins

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