#076 Panoz & Saleen

by modelM43in carson Posted on

Published January 9, 2025 | Last update July 30, 2026 | 27 models online

Don Panoz (born Panunzio) was a successful entrepreneur who founded Panoz Motorsports in 1997. He immediately entered his cars for the Le Mans 24-hour race. Soon after he founded the American Le Mans Series and bought Road Atlanta which became the home of the Petit Le Mans race. His cars were powered by American Ford V8 engines.
This is also the case with Saleen, Steve Saleen was well known as Ford Mustang tuner. in 2000 he launched the S7, a mid-engined sports car that was successful in GT racing.

GTR-1 (1997 – 1998 & 2004)

1997 Le Mans 24h, Panoz GTR-1
The Panoz GTR-1 is developed by Reynard. It is completely different from other GT1 cars; the big normally aspirated Ford V8 is situated behind the front axle and in front of the cockpit. In 1997 it is not yet up to the speed of the McLarens and Porsches, neither is its reliability. This is the DAMS entered car, it retired just as both David Price entered Panoz’.
Société DAMS #52: Franck Lagorce (F) / Eric Bernard (F) / Jean-Christophe Bouillon (F)
Results: Start-grid 23rd / time 3:48.123 / race DNF oil leak – 149 laps
Panoz GTR-1 – GT1: Powered by 6.0 liter Ford / Roush – V8 90º, approx. 600 hp. Michelin tires. Weight 950 kg. Carbon fibre monocoque, chassisnr. (Reynard) #06

  • ONYX Le Mans Collection XLM 99050 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

1998 Le Mans 24h, Panoz GTR-1
The 1998 version has much improved since last year and the car #45 reached a nice 7th place in Le Mans. The #44 retired with a broken gearbox. Both cars were entered by Panoz Motor Sports but operated by DAMS. The roar of the Ford V8 is intense; as it came past the grandstand you could ‘feel the sound’, for me one of the many highlights of my first Le Mans 24h visit.
Panoz Motor Sports #44: Eric Bernard (F) / Christophe Tinseau (F) / Johnny O’Connell (USA)
Results: Start-grid 18th / time 3:44.602 / race DNF gearbox- 236 laps

Panoz Motor Sports #45: David Brabham (AUS) / Andy Wallace (GB) / Jamie Davies (GB)
Results: Start-grid 11th / time 3:40.730 / race 7th – 335 laps
Panoz GTR-1 – GT1: Powered by 6.0 liter Ford / Roush – V8 90º, approx. 600 hp. Michelin tires. Weight 950 kg. Carbon fibre monocoque, chassisnr. (Reynard) #06 & #07

  • ONYX Le Mans Collection XLM 99034 & XLM 99035 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

1998 Le Mans 24h, Panoz GTR-1 hybrid
Long before the Prius would become a sales hit, Panoz already raced a hybrid electric car. The revolutionary Panoz GTR-1 hybrid “Sparky” drove the pre-qualifying at Le Mans and managed 31st, enough to be allowed to race. Panoz however withdrew the car before the big race. It was entered again at Petit Le Mans later in ’98 where it finished 2nd in GT1. Hybrids would return to Le Mans in 2012 and by no have become the standard in sports car racing and Formula One.
Panoz Motor Sports / David Price #46: James Weaver (GB) / Perry McCarthy (GB)
Results: prequalifying 31st / race DNS
Panoz GTR-1 – GT1: Powered by 6.0 liter Ford / Roush – V8 90º, approx. 600 hp + Zytek hybrid 150 hp. Michelin tires. Weight 1100 kg. Carbon fibre monocoque, chassisnr. (Reynard) #Q09

  • STARTER kit (resin)
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    • Only appears in this collection

1998 USRRC Ohio, Panoz GTR-1
The Panoz GTR-1 participates in the last year of the United States Road Racing Championship, that would change into Grand-Am in 1999. Next year the Panoz’ will race in the American Le Mans Series, a cooperation of Don Panoz and the ACO. On the short American tracks the Panoz is always a contender because of its engine power and torque. Brabham and Wallace compete in the race at Mid-Ohio and finish 3rd behind two Riley & Scott prototypes. The team mates #5 finished 4th, 2 laps behind.
Panoz Motor Sports #4 :David Brabham (AUS) / Andy Wallace (GB)
Results: Start-grid 3rd / time 1:18.492 / race 3rd – 111 laps / 1st GT1
Panoz GTR-1 – GT1: Powered by 6.0 liter Ford / Roush – V8 90º, approx. 600 hp. Michelin tires. Weight 950 kg. Carbon fibre monocoque, chassisnr. (Reynard) #08

  • AUTOART 69852 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

2004 Le Mans 24h, Panoz GTP
The Panoz GTP is an old 1997 GTR-1 car that was reanimated for this year’s Le Mans. The car, ran by Larbre didn’t finish due to clutch failure despite the support of the Hawaiian Tropic Girls…
Panoz Motor Sport / Larbre Competition #11: Patrick Bourdais (F) / Jean-Luc Blanchemain (F) / Roland Bervillé (F)
Results: Start-grid 45th / time 3:57.816 / race DNF clutch – 54laps
Panoz GTP – LMP1: Powered by 6.0 liter Ford Elan V8, approximately. 600 hp. Michelin tires. weight 950 kg. Carbon fibre monocoque, chassisnr. GTP #003

  • IXO LMM 061 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 2 STARS | Estimated value: 2 STARS
    • Also appears in #095 Hawaiian Tropic

LMP-1 Roadster S & LMP07 (1999 – 2003)

1999 Le Mans 24h, Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S
The GT1 category didn’t exit anymore in 1999. Panoz had the choice to adjust their cars to GTP regulations or develop a new car that fitted LMP1. Panoz did the last with support from Reynard. The front-engined layout was retained, the V8 engine was developed by Élan Motorsport Technologies, which was also owned by Don Panoz and built the actual cars as well. The speed was there; qualifying 5th and finishing 7th in a strong year was good.
Panoz Motorsports #12: David Brabham (AUS) / Eric Bernard (F) / Butch Leitzinger (USA)
Results: Start-grid 5th / time 3:33.711 / race 7th – 337 laps
Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S – LMP: Powered by 6.0 liter Ford / Élan 6L8 – V8 90º, approx. 620 hp. Michelin tires. Weight 910 kg. Carbon fibre monocoque, chassisnr. #01

  • ONYX XLM 99033 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

2000 Le Mans 24h, Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S
No less than five Panoz’ from three different teams competed in this year’s Le Mans. This Danish car entered by the team of John Nielsen makes it to the finish, but in such a big distance that it was not classified. All others finish as well, and in better positions.
Den Bla Avis #10: John Nielsen (DK) / Klaus Graf (D) / Mauro Baldi (I)
Results: Start-grid 15th / time 3:44.964 / race DNC – 206 laps
Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S – LMP: Powered by 6.0 liter Ford / Élan 6L8 – V8 90º, approx. 620 hp. Pirelli tires. Weight 910 kg. Carbon fibre monocoque, chassisnr. #02

  • ONYX XLM 99036 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 4 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

2000 Le Mans 24h, Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S
The #11 is the fastest of the works cars with a strong line-up of drivers: Brabham, Magnussen and Andretti. Unfortunately it finishes only 15th, the slower teammates with the #12 car do much better: 5th overall.
Panoz Motorsports #11: David Brabham (AUS) / Jan Magnussen (DK) / Mario Andretti (USA)
Results: Start-grid 4th / time 3:39.156 / race 15th – 316 laps

Panoz Motorsports #12: Johnny O’Connell (USA) / Hiroki Katoh (J) / Pierre-Henri Raphanel (F)
Results: Start-grid 8th / time 3:41.359 / race 5th – 343 laps
Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S – LMP: 6.0 liter Ford / Élan 6L8 – V8 90º, approx. 620 hp. Michelin tires. Weight 910 kg. Carbon fibre monocoque, chassisnrs. #04 & #05

  • ONYX XLM 99037 & XLM 99040 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appear in this collection

2000 Le Mans 24h, Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S
Japanese Team Goh entered 2 teams with a Japanese driver line-up. They do very well and finish 6th and 8th.
Team Goh #22: Keiichi Tsuchiya (J) / Masahiko Kondo (J) / Akira Iida (J)
Results: Start-grid 13th / time 3:44.627 / race 8th – 331 laps

Team Goh #23:Toshio Suzuki (J) / Masahiko Kageyama (J) / Masami Kageyama (J)
Results: Start-grid 12th / time 3:44.599 / race 6th – 341 laps
Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S – LMP: .0 liter Ford / Élan 6L8 – V8 90º, approx. 620 hp. Michelin tires. Weight 910 kg. Carbon fibre monocoque, chassisnrs. #03 & #06

  • ONYX XLM 99048 & XLM99053 (diecast)
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    • Only appear in this collection

2001 Sebring 12h, Panoz LMP07
The LMP07 was designed as successor of the LMP-1 Roadster. The concept was still the same with its front mounted engine. The engine however was a lighter and much compacter 4-liter V8, designed by Élan Motorsport Technologies. This gave the LMP07 a lower center of gravity and better aerodynamics. So in theory it was an improvement, but It didn’t work out very well. At Sebring and Le Mans the car retired, a 6th place in a ELMS race at Donington was the best result achieved. Before the season was over, Panoz turned to an evo-version of their old LMP-1.
#50 David Brabham (AUS) / Jan Magnussen (DK) – DNF
Panoz LMP07 Roadster S – 4.0 liter Élan – V8 90º, approx. 550 hp. Michelin tires. Weight 900 kg. Carbon fibre monocoque, chassisnr. Élan #02

  • SPARK SCPZ03 (resin)
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    • Only appears in this collection

2002 Sebring 12h, Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S
This old Panoz LMP-1 was turned into a B24 bomber from WWII. Gunnar Racing always puts a lot of effort in special liveries and did this because of the 50th anniversary of Sebring, once Hendricks Airfield, a B24 base.
#00 Gunnar Jeannette (USA) / Wayne Jackson (USA) / Chad Block (USA) – DNF
Gunnar Racing Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S – 6.0 liter Ford / Élan 6L8 – V8 90º, approx. 620 hp. Goodyear tires. Weight 910 kg. Carbon fibre monocoque, chassisnr. #01

  • ACTION PERFORMANCE AC4 028800 limited 1344 pcs (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 4 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Also appears in #100 Art Cars

2002 Le Mans 24h, Panoz LMP-1 evo
After the LMP07 failed to perform, Don Panoz took the good old LMP-1 again. He built an evolution version of it with some different aerodynamics but with the old 6-liter Ford V8. This car managed to push the Audi’s in the American Le Mans Series but not in Le Mans. The reliability was gone also, both cars retired with broken engines.
Panoz Motorsports #11: David Brabham (AUS) / Jan Magnussen (DK) / Brian Herta (USA)
Results: Start-grid 9th / time 3:34.824 / race DNF engine – 92 laps

Panoz Motorsports #12: Gunnar Jeannette (USA) / Bill Auberlen (USA) / David Donohue (USA)
Results: Start-grid 17th / time 3:39.069 / race DNF engine – 241 laps
Panoz LMP-1 evo – LMP900: Powered by 6.0 liter Ford / Elan 6L8 – V8 90º, approx. 620 hp. Michelin tires. Weight 900 kg. Carbon fibre monocoque, chassisnrs. #05 & #07

  • IXO Le Mans & GT Cars LMM041 & LMM042 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appear in this collection

2002 Le Mans 24h, Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S
There was a third Panoz at Le Mans, but that was entered as “Leader”. This old Panoz is the perfect car to play the bad guy in a movie. It did when the movie “Michel Vaillant” was shot there. The French cartoon star raced in a Lola B98/10 which was renamed “Vaillante” for the movie.
DAMS #22: Jérôme Policand (F) / Marc Duez (B) / Perry McCarthy (GB)
Results: Start-grid 21st / time 3:44.877 / DNF drive shaft – 98 laps
Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S – LMP900: Powered by 6.0 liter Ford / Elan 6L8 – V8 90º, approx. 620 hp. Goodyear tires. Weight 910 kg. Carbon fibre monocoque, chassisnr. #03

  • IXO Le Mans & GT Cars LMM037 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

Fun fact:
Of course we saw the shooting of the movie during the 2002 Le Mans weekend and months later, I purchased tickets in advance for the opening night.
Besides the four of us, two others were in the cinema … The movie was a disaster and only stayed one more day before it vanished.
I now only have this memory and a DVD that I bought on eBay later but never viewed … 🙂

2003 Le Mans 24h, Panoz LMP-1 evo
In the 6th year of the Panoz LMP, private team JML finished 5th equalling the best ever result for the car at Le Mans. Gunnar Jeanette drove a great race in the last hour having a huge battle with the Dome (6th) and Courage (7th).
JML Team Panoz #11: Olivier Beretta (MC) / Max Papis (I) / Gunnar Jeannette (USA)
Results: Start-grid 10th / time 3:40.766 / race 5th – 360 laps
Panoz LMP-1 evo – LMP900; powered by 6.0 Ford / Elan 6L8 – V8 90º, approx. 620 hp. Michelin tires. Weight 900 kg. Carbon fibre monocoque, chassisnrs. #08

  • SPARK SZPC05 (resin)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 4 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS

Esperante GTLM (2005 – 2006)

2005 Le Mans 24h, Panoz Esperante GTLM
The new Esperante made its debut at Le Mans in 2005. The two Multimatic built cars were not yet fast and reliable enough. This car suffered a broken V8 early in the race. Next year will be better!
Panoz Motorsports #77: Bill Auberlen (USA) / Robin Liddell (GB) / Scott Maxwell (CAN)
Results: Start-grid 36th / time 4:07.027 / race DNF engine – 22 laps
Panoz Esperante GTLM – GT2: Powered by 5.0 liter Élan V8, approx. 450 hp. Pirelli tires. Weight 1200 kg. Steel monocoque, chassisnr. Multimatic #004

  • SPARK S0096 (resin)
    • Overall rating: 4 STARS | Quality details: 4 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

2006 Le Mans 24h, Panoz Esperante GTLM
Panoz quit the LMP project and turned to developing a car in the GT2 category. The Panoz Esperante made its debut in 2005 and quite surprisingly won GT2 in only its second year against Porsche, Ferrari and Spyker.
Team LNT #81: Lawrence Tomlinson (GB) / Richard Dean (GB) / Tom Kimber-Smith (GB)
Results: Start-grid 46th / time 4:12.043 / race 15th – 321 laps / 1st GT2
Panoz Esperante GTLM – GT2: Powered by 5.0 liter Élan V8, approx. 450 hp. Pirelli tires. Weight 1200 kg. Steel monocoque, chassisnr. Multimatic #006

  • SPARK S0099 (resin)
    • Overall rating: 4 STARS | Quality details: 4 STARS | Estimated value: 4 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

Saleen S7R

2001 Le Mans 24h, Saleen S7R
Mustang tuner Steve Saleen built his own supercar, the Saleen S7R. The first competition versions are built in the UK by Ray Mallock (RML). Due to its limited production numbers the car got an extra restriction on engine power. That is the main reason that this magnificent car doesn’t perform better, although a 3rd place in class in its debut year at Le Mans is not bad at all.
Konrad Motorsport #60: Franz Konrad (A) / Terry Borcheller (USA) / Oliver Gavin (GB)
Results: Start-grid 26th / time 3:52.849 / race 18th – 246 laps / 3rd GTS
Konrad Saleen S7R – LM GTS: Powered by 7.0 liter Ford / Saleen 90º V8, approx. 580 hp (restricted). Goodyear tires. Weight 1150 kg. Steel space frame, chassisnr. (RML #002R

  • IXO Modern Le Mans & GT cars LMM031 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

2004 FIA GT Championship Imola 4h, Saleen S7R
In 2004 the extra restrictions that were laid upon the Saleen have gone and the car is a winner again. This Konrad Motorsport operated Vitaphone car won 3 races in the 2004 FIA GT Championship among which the race at Imola..
Konrad Motorsport #5: Michael Bartels (D) / Uwe Alzen (D)
Results: Start-grid 3rd / time 1:45,697 / race 1st – 97 laps
Saleen S7R – FIA GT1: Powered by 7.0 liter Ford / Saleen 90º V8, approx. 580 hp (restricted). Pirelli tires. Weight 1150 kg. Steel space frame, chassisnr. (Mallock) #002R

  • IXO Modern Le Mans & GT cars GTM022 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Also appears in #110 Vitaphone

2005 FIA GT Championship Brno 500km, Saleen S7R
British Graham Nash Racing is running two cars in the FIA GT Championship with different paying drivers. This team finish 12th at Brno while their team mates didn’t start at all due to a gearbox failure.
Graham Nash Racing #8: Luca Pirri-Ardizzone (I) / Robert Senkyr (CZ) / Ryan Hooker (GB)
Results: Start-grid 12th / time 2:01.130 / race 12th – 77 laps / 10th GT1
Saleen S7R – FIA GT1: Powered by 7.0 liter Ford / Saleen 90º V8, approx. 600 hp. Pirelli tires. Weight 1100 kg. Steel space frame, chassisnr. (RML) #010R

  • IXO Modern Le Mans & GT cars GTM027 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 2 STARS | Estimated value: 2 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

2006 Spa-Francorchamps 1000km, Saleen S7R
The Saleens are now ran by the famous Oreca team. The car is always quick in qualifying but in the long run they are often beaten by the Astons Martins and Corvettes. In shorter races such as the 1000 km of Spa- Francorchamps the Saleen is a real favorite.
Team Oreca #55: Soheil Ayari (F) / Stéphane Orteil (MC)
Results: Start-grid 12th / time 2:27.541 / race 7th – 129 laps / 1st GT1
Saleen S7R – FIA GT1: Powered by 7.0 liter Ford / Saleen 90º V8, approx. 600 hp. Michelin tires. Weight 1100 kg. Steel space frame, chassisnr. (Saleen) #066R

  • IXO Modern Le Mans & GT cars GTM046 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Also appears in #126 Oreca (team) / #112 Playstatiion

2007 Le Mans 24h, Saleen S7R
The Saleens were entered by the famous Oreca team. The car is quick in qualifying and the beginning of the race. But then they have to let go of the Corvettes and Astons. Both cars finish, this one 16th, their teammates 11th overall.
Team Oreca #55: Soheil Ayari (F) / Stéphane Orteil (MC) / Nicolas Lapierre (F)
Results: Start-grid 24th / time 3:51.240 / race 16th – 318 laps / 9th GT1
Saleen S7R – LM GT1: Powered by 7.0 liter Ford / Saleen 90º V8, approx. 600 hp. Michelin tires. Weight 1100 kg. Steel space frame, chassisnr. (Saleen) #066R

  • SPARK S0380 (resin)
    • Overall rating: 4 STARS | Quality details: 4 STARS | Estimated value: 4 STARS
    • Also appears in #126 Oreca (team)

2008 Le Mans 24h, Saleen S7R
French Larbre Competition entered this Saleen in 2008 in GT1. Of course the team could not compete against the factory Corvettes and Aston Martins, it finished 7th in class. In 2010 the team would try again with the same car and then they actually won the very downgraded GT1 category but also got beaten by some GT2 cars .
Larbre Competition #50: Christophe Bouchut (F) / Patrick Bornhauser (F) / David Hallyday (F)
Results: Start-grid 33rd / time 3:47.761 / race 28th – 306 laps / 7th GT1
Saleen S7R – LM GT1: Powered by 7.0 liter Ford / Saleen 90º V8, approx. 600 hp. Michelin tires. Weight 1100 kg. Steel space frame, chassisnr. (Saleen) #080R

  • IXO LMM157 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 3 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

2008 Spa-Francorchamps 24h, Saleen S7R
Two Saleens were entered for the 24 hour race at Spa-Francorchamps. This was the only one that started the race because the Larbre entry got badly damaged in warming up. No Saleen managed to finish as this one from local heroes PK Carsport retired after 255 laps.
PK Carsport #4: Anthony Kumpen (B) / Bert Longin (B) /  Kurt Mollekens (B) / Frédéric Bouvy (B)
Results: Start-grid  11th / time 2:17.937 / race DNF – 255 laps
Saleen S7R – FIA GT1: Powered by 7.0 liter Ford / Saleen 90º V8, approx. 600 hp. Pirelli tires. Weight 1100 kg. Steel space frame, chassisnr. (RML) #060R

  • ALTAYA Passion de la vitesse 8 (diecast)
    • Overall rating: 3 STARS | Quality details: 3 STARS | Estimated value: 2 STARS
    • Only appears in this collection

Thanks for visiting 😉

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