Intro: Robert Jankel established his design studio in 1955.
He was a fashion designer who built one-offs.
A Jaguar SS100 inspired prototype led him to introdue the Panther-line of specialty cars in 1972.
The beautifully handcrafted retro-looking J72 attracted Arab princes and movei stars too.
Later other models were added to the line, a Bugaiesque limo, called the DeVille and a 6-wheeler monster which remained in prototype stage.
In 1976 debuted the Lima, a volume-madel. It led to over-expansion so Panther went into liquidation in 1979.
Although it was resurrected two years later Jankel never looked back.
His new company, RJD instigated the Le Marquis brand-name and made various exotic limousines and drop-head conversion.
Since 1980 he built about 4000 special vehicles, like Rolls-Royce limos,, specially converted Bentleys etc.
Currently he's busy building armoured and stretched cars plus the self-engineered Aigis 4x4. |
