 |
|
The captain's relaxing on the Cheerio II.
|
Panoz, Cheerio II, Vincent Black Lightning (211)Take an in-depth look at one of the auto industry's true pioneers — Dan Panoz, who has successfully built world class sports cars without being under the umbrella of any major car manufacturer. His newest creation, the 2003 Panoz Esperante, is set for limited production and built to fly.
Next, meet the owners of the Cheerio II, a yacht recently classified as California's 66th historic vessel. It's almost 80 years old, perfectly restored, and ready for a sail on the high seas.
Last, take a look at a brand new version of a classic motorcycle. The Vincent Black Lightning is set to debut in 2004, and here's a sneak peak from builder Bernard Li. This cross between a sport bike and a cruiser is pretty and purpose built.
Dan Panoz Facts: (Lower third information from show):
- Don Panoz's company, Elan Corporation, developed several groundbreaking medications including the nicotine patch.
- Chateau Elan is a four-star resort with a winery, three major golf courses and even an Irish pub.
- The shamrock in the company logo is a tribute to the family's Irish roots.
- In 1998, a Panoz GTR-1 finished seventh overall in the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.
- Panoz Auto Development Company occupies five buildings and 100,000 square feet of space in Hoschton, GA.
Contact Information:
Panoz Auto Development Co.
770-867-4796
www.panozauto.com
Panoz Auto Facts:
- AIV stands for Aluminum Intensive Vehicle.
- 1999 was the last year that Panoz built the AIV Roadster.
- Panoz built approximately 400 AIV Roadsters.
- The 2003 Panoz Esperante is capable of going 0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds.
- There are 50 Panoz dealers and 3,800 service centers nationwide.
- Panoz expects to build approximately 200 Esperantes in 2003.
The Cheerio II Facts:
- The Cheerio II was designed by Edson B. Shock and was built in 1931 by Fellows & Stewart in San Pedro, CA. It was purchased by Juanita and Dick McNish in 1980.
- In 1992, Juanita and Dick McNish were honored as the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club's "Members of the Year."
- The Cheerio II received the "Best Restored Sailboat" honor at the 1989 Victoria Wooden Boat Festival in British Columbia.
Vincent Black Shadow Facts:
- Bernard Li is the founder of the Eagle One car and motorcycle care products company.
- In 1928, Philip Vincent acquired the HRD trademark and a few remaining component parts for #500.
- The HRD logo was dropped in 1949 to prevent any confusion with Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
- One Vincent, known as the "Rumplecrankshaft," endured a 100,000 mile test without a single bearing failure.
- The Black Shadow is easily recognizable by the all black finish of the engine and gearbox.
- The original Vincent Black Lightning was only available as a custom ordered machine for about $1,500.
- The projected sales price of the 2004 Vincent Black Lightning S will be under $25,000.
)
