1972 De Tomaso Pantera

General Overview

Recognized as one of the most dynamic sports cars of the 1970s, the Pantera combined Italian design and American horsepower, delivered in a handmade sports car with a refined balance of design and performance. Designed by American Tom Tjaarda while working with Carrozzeria Ghia, the Pantera replaced the Ford powered Mangusta as their halo performance car. Built with an integrated steel monocoque chassis and steel body, the Panteras chiseled design featured a mid-mounted Ford 351 V8 engine, ZF 5-speed transaxle, and power assisted four-wheel disc brakes.

History of This Car

Purchased by the current owner in 2021, this Pantera has been documented as a highly original example including a written history of ownership and mileage, and a Marti Report. Though previously restored in 2007, this Pantera was re-restored to a very high standard raising the bar on refinement and engineering. Most recently, under current ownership, a comprehensive no expense spared restoration brought this Pantera to an astonishing level of excellence, topping well over $260k including numerous upgrades performed over the past five years.

The heart of this desirable early series Pantera, the original 351 Cleveland four bolt engine has been comprehensively rebuilt to a very high standard and dyno’d at 430 hp with 410lb ft torque. The rebuild included TrickFlow Aluminum Heads, Eagle H pillar connecting rods, hydraulic roller lifter and roller rockers, an MSD 6 AL ignition controller, and an MSD 8910 tachometer adapter (rev limiter set at 5500 RPM), FlowCooler water Pump, a RobbMc Performance 351 Cleveland high volume performance fuel pump, a Ron Davis two-row NASCAR radiator, new four-row A/C condenser, and silicon fuel hoses.

In addition to the comprehensive engine rebuild, the chassis was upgraded with contemporary double adjustable coil over shock absorbers mounted at all four corners, EZ Electric variable power steering was installed along with a new steering rack (installed by Pantera expert Mike Drew), new upper ball joints, and a suspension stiffening kit. The transmission was upgraded with a new clutch, flywheel, and Hydraulic throw out bearing, and fitted with a tall fifth gear (0.620) from RBT Hi Performance. For the brake system, a 5/8” Wilwood master brake cylinder was installed, new High Friction racing brake pads fitted, and all four original Pantera brake calipers were rebuilt and finished in gloss red. Additional items included upgrading the factory Pantera fuse panel with Pantera Electronics ATO fuse panel, and an engine kill switch. Services since the engine rebuild have been regular including the most recent oil change and gear oil change performed at 38,675 miles.

The interior in this Pantera has also been comprehensively restored and upgraded including full upholstery and integrated special features which highly improve the driving experience. Importantly, a pair of ideally suited 25th Anniversary Euro Miata black leather seats were installed. These seats are a welcome enhancement to the driving experience of this Pantera when compared to the original seats. The seats are covered in supple black leather and further upgraded with laser etched headrests featuring the De Tomaso Logos. The door panels were also trimmed in matching black leather and finished with finely detailed red stitching. The remainder of the cabin was finished with new carpet, and new sun visors. The gauges were also upgraded with improved lighting, a European style push-button starter (standard key start remains operational as well), new turn signal and horn stalk, a Ferrari 328 gear shift knob, Power Tap for radar, and a set of Schroth four point racing style seat harnesses with quick release mechanisms were also installed for both seats. Materials and finishes were also upgraded with a new engine cover mesh and a De Tomaso air cleaner lid with K&N filter, Line-X finish applied to the engine compartment and the removable trunk tub trimmed with a zipper opening black marine grade PVC cover to protect stored contents.

Exterior details include Halogen Cibie headlight upgrade, headlight kit, and wiring, Group 4 NOS Carello tail lights, new PIAA horns, a new Lucas wiper motor, new wiper arms with custom CNC machined aero aids and PIAA silicone wiper blades, and new left and right side mirrors. To preserve the exceptional paint finish, the entire car was professionally wrapped in Expel Gold clear paint protection film (PPF). In addition to the thoughtful upgrades and restoration work performed on this Pantera, the owner has meticulously cataloged ten large binders and digital files documenting the history of ownership and restoration work performed by current and prior owners. This Pantera is also featured on the cover and as a featured article in the book De Tomaso,  from Buenos Aires to Modena – The history of the Automotive Visionary by Dr. Daniele Pozzi.

Condition and Presentation

Today this Pantera displays a stunning exterior finish prepared to a very high level. The vivid deep red paint is glossy and smooth throughout with excellent detailing in the door jambs and inner strike surfaces with superb reflections throughout. The body is in exceptional condition, displaying great fit and fine panel gaps with fit and finish far beyond original assembly standards. The glass and distinctive side vent trim are in excellent condition showing no sun fading, while the front and rear chrome bumpers are essentially like new. The lighting and lenses are also like new, particularly so for the Carello tail light lenses and upgraded Halogen headlights. A set of beautifully polished Pantera East 16” x 8” front and 17” x 11” rear wheels appear virtually new wearing Pirelli P-Zero 245/45 ZR16 front and 335/35 ZR17 rear tires. The impressive rear tires convey massive power from the rear view tucked under the clean wedge design highlighted by the dramatic mid-engine body lines.

Driving this Pantera is yet another impressive experience. As one might expect, the car starts easily via the conveniently installed custom start button. The highly refined 351 V8 wakes up with a ferocity that demands respect. Once inside, the idle settles as you engage the clutch and 5-speed ZF transaxle. Gearing is comfortable and the clutch is quite smooth. Acceleration is exhilarating as only a mid-engine car can deliver, pushing against your back coming out of first gear and entering second already heading well past highway speeds when third gear is achieved. The brakes are firm and impressive, tracking evenly and smoothly decelerating from highway speeds. Best of all the modern profile seats are a big improvement when cornering and vastly more comfortable on longer distance trips. Steering is tight and responsive and particularly improved at slower speeds via the variable electric power steering. Overall, the driving experience is dynamic and rewarding both in the feeling and presence of the original but vastly improved due to the thoughtfully selected upgrades.

This is an exceptionally fine Pantera with highly refined engineering and performance enhancements that vastly improve the already impressive qualities of the original. Restored with a cost no object approach topping well over $260k, this Pantera is ready for concours events, shows, or Pantera club gatherings – a truly amazing sports car awaits the next fortunate owner.

Items Included with the Car

This beautiful Pantera is offered with ten binders filled with documentation supporting the history, ownership, letters and documents from former owners, a copy of the Marti report, photos and reference literature, multiple CDs documenting restoration work, a copy of the De Tomaso book featuring this car on the cover, owner’s manuals, various additional small parts, and spare manufacturers specification plates.