Model Car Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S red number 12 (24 Hours of Le Mans 2000)

Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S: American excellence at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

This 1/43rd scale model faithfully reproduces the Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S number 12 that marked the 2000 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans . Driven by the trio Hiroki Katoh, Johnny O'Connell and Pierre-Henri Raphanel, this American racing car embodies the ambition of the Panoz brand to establish itself on the international endurance scene.

This collectible accurately captures the aerodynamic lines and distinctive red livery of this exceptional prototype, offering automotive enthusiasts an authentic representation of one of the most defining moments in recent American motorsport history.

Characteristics of the model car

• Model: Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S
• Brand: Panoz
• Year: 2000
• Scale: 1/43rd
• Color: Red
• Race number: 12
• Drivers: Hiroki Katoh / Johnny O'Connell / Pierre-Henri Raphanel
• Protective case included: Yes

The real model: A revolutionary prototype

The Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S was developed specifically for endurance racing in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This prototype represented the culmination of Panoz's racing car expertise, combining innovative architecture with a distinctly American approach to performance.

Featuring an ultra-lightweight carbon chassis and carefully designed aerodynamics, this LMP-1 car produced considerable power thanks to its V8 engine. Its open, roofless design clearly distinguished it from its closed competitors, offering a unique visual spectacle on the racetrack. This particular configuration required a specific aerodynamic approach to maintain stability at high speeds.

Panoz's entry into the 2000 24 Hours of Le Mans marked an important step in the brand's international strategy, demonstrating its ability to compete with the most prestigious European manufacturers on their home turf.

Panoz: American Audacity in Motor Racing

Founded by Daniel Panoz in the 1990s, the Panoz brand quickly established itself as an innovative player in the world of American sports cars. Based in Georgia, the company distinguished itself with its unconventional approach, favoring bold technical solutions and decidedly different designs.

At the time of the creation of this LMP-1, Panoz was already renowned for its distinctive road cars , notably the Esperante and the AIV Roadster. Committing to competition was a natural extension of this philosophy, allowing the brand to develop and test its technological innovations in the most demanding environment possible. This period marked Panoz's golden age in motorsport , with regular participation in the world's major endurance events.

Complete your model car collection

This Panoz LMP-1 Roadster S naturally finds its place within a collection dedicated to the 24 Hours of Le Mans . It perfectly complements the other legendary prototypes of this golden era of endurance racing, notably the Audi R8 and the BMW V12 LMR which dominated the competition at the time.

Collectors passionate about racing cars will particularly appreciate this piece for its unique character in the world of prototypes. It fits perfectly into a thematic collection dedicated to the 2000s , a pivotal period when technological innovation was in full swing in motorsport.

This model car model appeals to both American car enthusiasts and endurance racing fans, serving as a valuable testament to an era when boldness and innovation took precedence over colossal budgets. It also finds its place alongside other independent brands that have left their mark on the history of motorsport through their originality and determination.