Bring a Trailer auction preview: De Tomaso Pantera low mileage single family ownership early version with 4 bolt mains, sewn dash, and steel bumpers
VIN – THPNLU02210
Engine no. – 01211
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 351 cu. in. Cleveland V8
Transmission – 5-speed transaxle
Current Miles – 17,787 original miles
Highlights of this Pantera
- Documented one owner Pantera with original engine
- 17,787 miles original miles under original ownership from 1971-2024
- Over $30k spent 2022-2025 in recent recommissioning
General Overview
Designed by American Tom Tjaarda while working with Carrozzeria Ghia, the Pantera was the replacement for the lower volume Ford powered Mangusta. Built with a steel monocoque chassis and stamped steel body, the Panteras chiseled design featured a mid-mounted Ford 351 Cleveland V8 engine, ZF 5-speed transaxle, and power assisted four-wheel disc brakes. The great looks and amazing performance captured the attention of Ford who purchased the rights to market and sell the Pantera through Lincoln-Mercury dealerships beginning in 1971 and continuing through 1975. Although the Pantera would continue in production for several years after Ford offered it in the states, the early series Panteras have become the most sought-after for their unique design, early specifications, and fantastic performance.
History of This Car
This Pantera was sold in October 1971 by McCormick Lincoln-Mercury, Inc. New Jersey to the original owner who retained the car until it was purchased by the consigning dealer in 2024. One of 517 originally finished in White with black interior, the car was delivered with air conditioning, Campagnolo magnesium sport wheels, power windows, and tinted glass. The car remained with the original owner though miles driven were becoming more limited through the 1980s and 90s.
Copies of service records accompanying this Pantera outline work performed and accumulated miles. On November 28th. 1985 the car was painted red by M.D. Auto Works Inc. using acrylic lacquer. Additional work at that time including refinishing the black trim, troubleshooting engine operation, removing and reinstalling the powertrain and replacing both rear wheel bearings, and installing a new timing chain. On August 29th, 1986, the distributor was replaced, ignition limiter reset, and the carburetor adjusted. In July 1990, the car returned to M.D. Auto Works Inc. with 17,352 miles for general service. On September 9, 1997, the car was serviced by Gladpack SunCo, Inc. with 17,355 miles recorded. A Motor Vehicle Ignition was installed. R&R Carburetor for service and cleaning, fuel lines and gas tank cleaned.
Bringing in the new year, the owner had the car serviced on January 1, 2001, including draining the fuel tank, new fuel lines, new fuel pump, and fuel filter installed. At this same time, the engine and transaxle were removed, various hoses and belts replaced, and the engine bay cleaned and painted. Additionally, the AC system was serviced including a new compressor, old freon evacuated, and fresh refrigerant filled.
On January 12, 2001, the car was serviced by The Stable, LTD. with 17,367 miles tending to charging issues, sidemirrors replaced, and new seat belts installed, followed in February with electrical issues remedied, new starter solenoid installed, a grounding strap installed between the engine and chassis and mounting wiring between the chassis and mounting plate for the voltage regulator. In November 2001, the car returned to the shop where a rebuilt fuel tank was installed along with a new voltage regulator, rebuilt alternator, new fuel filters, and new braided hoses and drive belts. Further work that year included a new design fuel filler piece and gaskets, oil and oil filter change, transaxle drain and refill, and the front wheel bearings repacked.
On December 22, 2022, the car returned to The Stable, LTD. with 17,553 miles for general service and again that same year with 17,650 miles when the road wheels were removed, brakes disassembled, brake calipers sent out for overhaul, repainted all flex and metal louvers, brake pads and calipers reinstalled, cleaned mounting components, resurfaced rotors, hydraulics checked. Flushed and Drained fuel tank, replaced rubber lines and fuel filter, disassembled and rebuilt new seal gaskets, replaced mechanical fuel pump and flushed chassis fuel lines, replaced hydraulic clutch master and slave cylinder, cleaned reservoir- flushed and bled system, disassemble steering column as required, replaced lock cylinder and re-assemble, flush cooling system.
In October 2024, the car was purchased by the consigning dealer and delivered to Stallion Motorsports, Costa Mesa, CA, with 17,726 miles recorded. Service at this time included rear caliper rebuild, brake pads resurfaced, rear rotors resurfaced, new inner brake piston and emergency brake mechanism installed, new tie rod ends, front end alignment performed, power brake vacuum hose replaced, steering rack removed, rebuilt, and reinstalled, front hubs and rotors removed for disc and pad resurfacing to remedy uneven brake wear, and a new exhaust manifold gasket installed. Additionally, a new oil pan was sourced and installed along with a new oil pan gasket and an oil/filter change.
General Condition
After original ownership spanning 53 years, this Pantera still retains the original engine stamped 01211, which also matches the engine number stamped on the engine deck plate 874 01211. Having been retained by the same owner from 1971-2024 the car was reportedly stored indoors and retains many original features including the hand stitched dashboard notable for earlier series Panteras. Having been repainted in red in 1985, the lacquer finish developed check marks covering most of the top facing surfaces. Though the finish is checked, it remains glossy with good surface coverage.
The body panel fit is quite good with factory fit and closures consistent with original examples. The front and rear bumpers are finished in satin black matching the various other trim pieces, corner marker light trim, door handles and rear quarter panel trim all of which are in generally good condition though paint has faded in some areas. The original side glass, vent panel glass, quarter glass, rear partition glass, and the original windshield all of which retain the original factory Scursiv brand etchings. Other than a pair of modern side view mirrors with carbon fiber finishes, the remainder of the car remains generally accurate to the original specifications. The car wears a set of original dual slot Campagnolo wheels which remain in very good condition with no major damage, minor edge marks, and an older set of Pirelli Cinturato 185/70 VR15 front and 225/70 VR15 rear tires.
Rarely seen in early series Panteras, the original interior remains in excellent condition overall with no major flaws and strong visual presentation consistent with the miles this Pantera has covered under 53 years of singular ownership. The seats are in excellent condition featuring the correct bolster material and perforated seat inserts, correct carpet, and door panels. The dashboard is in very nice condition showing no significant cracks or tears and is the rare earlier series hand stitched dash rather than the later series molded type. The original instruments are clean and clear, displaying just under 18,000 miles on the odometer, which are original miles, supported by the service invoices and reports from family members. The distinctive 5-speed manual gated gear selector sits proudly in the center console, while the vertically mounted radio and descending instrument cluster finish off the distinct center console. Rarely does an original Pantera display the qualities this interior still conveys.
Under the rear engine lid, the original engine resides with largely original components per 1971 build specifications. Consistent with early Panteras, this engine is believed to be the earlier, more desirable closed chamber “quench head” 4-bolt main Cleveland unit fitted before the open chamber, lower performance variant installed in Panteras beginning in July 1972. The engine compartment is presented with factory style finishes and fittings, though showing evidence of age and minor deviations when compared to factory original cars. The underside of the car reflects an original unibody chassis with no evidence of structural damage or compromise to the main suspension points. All four corners of the suspension and chassis show no evidence of restoration however the transaxle, water hoses and pipes, brakes, and other components have been more recently replaced or refinished per the service invoices accompanying the car.
Recently recommissioned after long term storage, this Pantera has been extensively serviced including comprehensive brake work, cooling system service, electrical work, fuel system and fuel tank replaced, and numerous other items totaling over $30,000 between 2022-2025. A milestone of American performance with exciting driving dynamics and Italian design, the Pantera remains one of the most captivating mid-engine sports cars of the 20th century.
Items Included with the Car
This beautiful Pantera is offered with copies of ownership records for service dating back to 1985, various ownership paperwork including a 1971 registration slip, the original DeTomaso Pantera Ownercare card, various New Jersey Registration cards from the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s, and copies of New Jersey vehicle inspection sheets indicating mileage recorded in those years leading up to the mileage indicated on the odometer today. Please note that the luggage tub is included with this car, but it is currently in another state and while we will assist with arrangements, the next owner will be responsible for collecting it and any additional transport costs incurred in the process.1971 De Tomaso Pantera
The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.
Fantasy Junction • 510-653-7555 • 1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608