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Ford’s Panther Platform: smooth, classy, beloved by car collectors worldwide, and in 2011, tragically discontinued. These smooth-riders have been turning heads since the 1970s, but when they finally left the production line in 2011, many fans were left disappointed. Car collector Deric McCottrell remembers his disappointment at hearing the news. “I’ve loved Panthers since I was a teenager, so it was a pretty big blow when they stopped making them. Over time, I found that my passion for the platform never really faded, and I wasn’t alone; there are Panther enthusiasts spread across the world. I wanted to find a way to bring the community together, to stoke the fire and, if possible, to help it to grow.” It was this goal that inspired McCottrell to create his new publication and lookbook, Panther Magazine.
Finding a Following
Deric McCottrell, a full-time letter carrier for USPS, is the proud founder, President, and CEO of Panther Magazine. His publication showcases the beauty and elegance of the Panther Platform, as well as the thriving community of enthusiasts that has sprung up around it. The magazine features people from all over the world with photos and short articles about their stories and connections with their cars. The publication highlights the continued impact and appreciation of the Panther Platform despite its unfortunate discontinuation over a decade ago.
In just one year of business, Panther Magazine’s Instagram account has reached over 6,000 followers, a feat that McCottrell wears with pride. “For most businesses, social media isn’t really that important, but for my business, it’s how I find new customers and build new relationships with people who share this unique interest.” McCottrell hopes that social media can help bring a wide range of new readers to Panther Magazine, helping car enthusiasts to discover a new passion.
The Formative Years of a Panther Fanatic
According to McCottrell, he got to where he is today by way of trial and error. “Once I really sat back and thought about what I’m most passionate about, things really started to click for me,” he explains. McCottrell has always loved cars. Born in 1992, McCottrell remembers growing up and seeing tons of Mercury Grand Marquis’ and Lincoln Town Cars rolling around. Being originally from San Diego, California, he grew up entrenched in West Coast culture and was fascinated by hydraulic lowriders. Every time he spotted a ’90s Lincoln Town Car, he hoped it would be a lowrider.
In his late teen years, he had the opportunity to sit in a Panther for the first time. “I loved it!” he recalls. “I loved the way it looked, how comfortable it was, how smooth it felt to drive: it was just an all-around great car.” In that moment, he resolved to one day buy a Grand Marquis, no matter what it took. So far, he’s owned two. McCottrell loves these cars and the people that drive them; over the course of entering the Panther Platform community and starting Panther Magazine, he met so many great people that have since become good friends of his.
The Panther Platform Will Never Die
McCottrell is confident about the future of Panther Magazine; not only for its place in the magazine industry, but also in the automotive industry. “I see a vision of Panther Magazine starting new trends in the automotive industry and elsewhere in the business world,” he explains. “Although the current era of business seems to be all about digital tech, the average consumer will always have an appreciation for a physical product – especially when it comes to magazines.” McCottrell believes the magazine industry is still going strong and that, in the near future, paperbacks and physical copies of publications will make a strong return.
Panther Magazine is the proud result of McCottrell’s passion, drive, and singular vision. In his words: “Your vision is what makes you feel boosted late at night when everyone else is sleeping.” McCottrell is working hard to grow the publication, expand its reach, and use the outlet to launch in-person events, such as the world’s first-ever Panther Platform national car meet. Despite the small size of his one-man company, McCottrell feels more than capable of achieving (and exceeding) these goals and building Panther Magazine into a major name in auto publications.
Follow Panther Magazine on Instagram (@officialpanthermagazine). View the magazine online for free on Issue.
