The Panthermobile was a custom car designed by designer Tom Daniel and built by car customizer George Barris in 1969. The car was shaped like a giant pink panther with glowing red eyes, and it was created as a promotional vehicle for the television show “The Pink Panther Show,” which aired from 1969 to 1976. The show featured animated shorts starring the Pink Panther character, a suave, sophisticated cartoon panther.
The Panthermobile was built on a Chevrolet chassis and was powered by a 327-cubic-inch V8 engine. It featured a fiberglass body with intricate details, including a tail that doubled as a brake light and interior filled with plush pink upholstery. The car became an iconic symbol of the Pink Panther brand and was used for promotional events, car shows, and television appearances.
The Panthermobile was a hit with fans of the show, and it even spawned toy replicas and model kits. Despite its popularity, the car was eventually retired and fell into disrepair. However, it has since been restored and is now on display at the Volo Auto Museum in Illinois, where it continues to delight fans of the Pink Panther franchise. The Panthermobile remains a unique and beloved piece of pop culture history from the late 1960s.