When movements die out and cultural phenomena begin to fade, it’s up to the fans and fanatics that remain to carry the torch and keep their passion alive. When Ford stopped producing its world-famous Panther Platform in 2011, car enthusiasts across the globe felt the loss of a classic line unmatched in the smoothness of their style. Deric McCottrell, a full-time letter carrier and self-proclaimed Panther devotee, knew that these classic cars would be missed dearly by fans around the world; this is what inspired him to capture the continued impact of these cars in his magazine and lookbook, Panther Magazine.

Preserving the Panther Spirit

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.

All for the Love of the Panther

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 Lives On (On the Page)

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.

Looking back over Panther Magazine’s journey so far, McCottrell is very proud of the work he’s done with the publication. “It’s so much more than just a hobby, more than just a job,” he says. “It’s an outlet for some thing I’m truly passionate about, and to see so many people share that passion is a rare and amazing thing.” McCottrell hopes that his publication can capture the true essence, feeling, and impact of riding in a Panther such that even someone who has never (and will never) have the opportunity can understand what it’s like. “We aren’t just targeting those who want to relive the glory days — our publication is for everyone interested in cars. It’s for anyone that can appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of these incredible machines.”

Follow Panther Magazine on Instagram (@officialpanthermagazine). View the magazine online for free on Issue.