GR Auto Gallery is pleased to offer this awesome 1972 De Tomaso Pantera for your consideration. This beautiful Italian sports car is powered by a Ford 351ci four-bolt main Cleveland V8 motor mated to a ZF transaxle manual transmission. The motor used in the Pantera was sourced directly from Ford and was fitted with the more aggressive Cobra Jet camshaft. It is reported that the Pantera, when new, was able to complete the 0-60mph sprint in 5.5 seconds according to Car and Driver.
The exterior of this Pantera is painted in a striking red color with the original wheels and appropriate Goodyear tires completing the exterior look. Needless to say this is a beautiful car. It was designed by the Italian design firm Ghia’s American-born designer Tom Tjaarda. Unlike the De Tomaso Mangusta before it, the Pantera used a steel monocoque design.
Inside the vehicle is a clean black leather interior. All gauges work as they should as do all lights. This example does use a push button ignition switch that is mounted to the parking brake lever.
Driving the Pantera is one of the most exhilarating experiences one can have in an automobile. With four wheel power disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, finely tuned suspension, and roaring V8 motor the Pantera leaves you with a smile on your face after every drive. A unique feature of the Pantera when compared to other Italian sports cars of the era, is the Ford motor. The higher torque of the 351ci V8 reduced the need for excessive gear changing at low speeds which made the Pantera easier to drive in urban settings.
There are not many manufacturers that have as interesting of a history as De Tomaso. Alejandro de Tomaso was born in Argentina to a wealthy family of cattle ranchers. In his early twenties he had to flee to Italy because he was caught trying to overthrow the Argentinian government. Once in Italy, he met his wife Isabelle who was an american heiress with plenty of money. De Tomaso used this money to fund his racing ventures in Formula 1 racing under the Maserati brand. After scoring no championship points in four races, he was cut from the team and turned to his next automotive venture. He started De Tomaso, his own Italian sports car brand named after himself. As an homage to his family in Argentina the De Tomaso logo is actually the same logo used on his family’s cattle ranch.
Ford stepped in and assisted in the production and quality control of the Pantera. Ford also signed a deal to exclusively sell the Pantera in America through Lincoln Mercury dealers. Although this relationship fell apart in 1975, roughly 5,500 Pantera’s were sold in America through this partnership. Now is your chance to take home this awesome vehicle with plenty of history. Please call or email with any questions or for additional information.
Price: $79,900
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Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States