1998 Panoz AIV Roadster

Description

Built with a unique fusion of American muscle and European-inspired handling, the 1998 Panoz AIV Roadster is a rare and exhilarating machine. With just 176 units produced, this Aluminum Intensive Vehicle (AIV) is a lightweight, hand-built, American-made roadster that delivers an uncompromising purist driving experience.

Finished in a deep Cabernet exterior, this open-top roadster has classic charm with modern performance. Its lightweight aluminum body accounts for nearly 70% of the car's composition, making it a true marvel of engineering. Signature design elements include an exposed front suspension, rear center-exit exhaust, classic tubular bumpers, a rear trunk featuring polished hinges and a polished aluminum fuel filler. The included soft top stows away in the trunk when not in use, keeping you ready for any unexpected weather changes.

The aggressive stance is further enhanced by 18” Roush 5-spoke alloy wheels, wrapped in Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 tires measuring 245/40ZR18 up front and a wider 285/35ZR18 in the rear, delivering outstanding grip and stability.

At the heart of this Panoz AIV Roadster is an all-aluminum 4.6L SVT Cobra V8, originally rated at 305 horsepower. However, with the addition of a Kenne Bell supercharger, this roadster now pushes out well over 400 horsepower, making its ~2,500-lb curb weight an absolute thrill to command. Power is sent through a BorgWarner T5 5-speed manual transmission and a Ford 8.8” rear end with 3.27 gears and a limited-slip differential, allowing every ounce of that supercharged power to be put to the pavement efficiently.

The AIV Roadster's handling is just as impressive as its straight-line speed, thanks to its aluminum extrusion space frame, independent rear suspension, and coil-over shocks at all four corners. The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel power disc brakes provide precise control, allowing for a responsive and engaging driving experience.

Inside, the Panoz AIV Roadster blends classic craftsmanship with modern functionality. Tan leather seats feature the Panoz logo embossed in the headrests, complemented by wood trim and a leather-wrapped console. White-face gauges and intuitive controls provide a driver-focused cockpit, while amenities such as a tilting steering column, power steering, and air conditioning add an extra layer of comfort. For entertainment, an Eclipse AM/FM/CD player with Eclipse speakers delivers crisp sound, perfect for those open-road drives.

With only 16,354 miles on the odometer, this AIV Roadster remains in excellent condition, preserving its status as one of the most unique and rare American performance cars of its time. Hand-built with an emphasis on lightweight materials, raw power, and dynamic handling, it embodies the spirit of a modern-day Cobra—a true driver's car that offers an unfiltered, exhilarating experience every time you hit the road, and rivals more expensive supercars in power-to-weight ratio.

This is more than just a car; it's a statement—a testament to what happens when innovation meets raw driving passion. Whether you're an enthusiast seeking a rare collectible or a thrill-seeker looking for an unmatched open-top experience, this 1998 Panoz AIV Roadster is ready to deliver.

Key Highlights

• 1 of 176 AIV Roadsters produced
• 4.6L SVT Cobra V8
• Kenne Bell supercharger
• BorgWarner T5 5-speed manual transmission
• Ford 8.8" with 3.27 gearing and limited-slip differential
• Aluminum extrusion space frame
• Aluminum body
• Coil-over suspension
• Leather interior
• Roush trunk-mounted tool kit
• 18" Roush wheels
• 245/40ZR18 front, 285/35ZR18 rear Hankook performance tires
• Power rack-and-pinion steering
• Power four-wheel disc brakes
• Air conditioning