Fantasy Junction

Description

1972 De Tomaso Pantera

VIN – THPNMD03907
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 351 cu. in. Cleveland V8
Transmission – 5-speed transaxle
Current Miles – 33,384 miles

General Overview

Recognized as one of the most unique sports cars of the period, the Pantera combined Italian design with American horsepower 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 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.

Given the great looks and amazing performance, the Pantera captured the attention of Ford who purchased the rights to market and sell newly refined production models through Lincoln-Mercury dealerships beginning in 1971 and continuing through 1975. Although the Pantera would remain in production for several years after Ford offered it in the states, early series Panteras have become the most sought-after for their unique design, early specifications, and fantastic performance.

History of This Car

Purchased by the current owner in 2017, this Pantera was documented as a highly original two-owner example with no damage history, all original sheet metal, and numbers matching engine. The car was documented on August 20, 1974, with 17,261 miles and some years later with 24,470 miles. Today the odometer indicates 33,384 miles which are believed to be original. The current owner purchased this Pantera in 2017 and embarked on a comprehensive restoration with sensitive upgrades including 17” wheels, a new leather interior, comprehensive paint, new rubber, new chrome features, new welting, new lenses, and a host of other important improvements resulting in a beautifully prepared and upgraded Pantera. Among the many new parts sourced and replaced, P.I Motorsports Inc, specialists in Pantera parts, supplied a new license plate light assembly, new tail light lenses and buckets, new windshield weatherstripping, new front and rear bumpers, a new front grille and mounting studs, new side view mirrors (painted body color to match), new headlight buckets, new parking lenses, new side marker lenses, new interior door panels, new interior door hardware and handles, and numerous other specialized pieces to complete the restoration. 

Mechanical work included a new clutch, flywheel machining, new flat firewall kit, new cooling tubes installed and fans wired (2020), new motor mounts, electrical repairs to alternator wiring (2023), and a new set of Pantera floor mats installed (2026).

Pantera Expert Mike Drew Review

In preparation for consignment, this car was reviewed by Northern California Pantera expert Mike Drew. His extensive overview of this car is included for review with highlighted comments noted here summarizing this Pantera. According to Mike and the original VIN plate mounted to this car, this pre-L Pantera was built in July 1972. Mike was familiar with this Pantera while it was under prior ownership, and he believes it to be an original 33,000 mile example. Mike first studied the chassis focusing on the two vertical steel chassis members in the rear wheelhouse, which are typically subject to rust due to collected undrained water and retained road dirt. This example was found to be in excellent condition. Mike was able to drill additional drain holes in this area to mitigate any future accumulation to continue the rust free condition of these areas. Additionally, the front valance was found to be rust free as were other areas of the car.

For the suspension and brakes, Mike noted that both the front and rear sway bars are the desirable 7/8” diameter. The sway bars have been secured to the A-arms using Sphereballs which is a favorable upgrade in addition to Aldan coilover shocks and Wilwood brakes, also offering a huge improvement in the braking and handling but requiring a bit more wheel room, hence the larger diameter wheels. Also of note, a step-bore master cylinder and aftermarket Precision Performance brake booster are installed. Further upgrades include modern braided stainless Teflon brakes hoses, clutch slave cylinder hose also upgraded to Teflon, and an IPSCO Pantera Parts mechanical parking brake. Having personally rebuilt the steering rack in this car, Mike installed later style spacers which help to minimize bump-steer.

Other items include a laydown Fluidyne radiator with two large sucker fans, surprisingly effective power windows, functional turn indicators, original and correct Veglia gauges, and the original engine fitted with an Edelbrock Performer 4V intake manifold and Holley double-pumper carburetor with headers of unequal length, stock style mufflers, and AC system in place. A Hall Pantera quick fuel filler is also installed. 

Mike was able to drive this car as well and reports that the car started immediately and idled well. The driving experience was quite good including positive remarks about the brakes and handling, and high marks for the cooling system which performed among the best he has seen including sitting at idle while maintaining a steady and safe operational temperature. Shifting was smooth, though the heavy clutch pedal could use some improvement, while the suspension and ride manners were especially impressive.

Having been purchased in near 100% original condition when first restored, the quality and finishes now presented with sensitive mechanical upgrades make this a fantastic Pantera for a performance enthusiast to drive and show with pride.

Condition and Presentation

Today this Pantera displays a beautiful exterior finish throughout. The vivid red paint is glossy and smooth throughout with excellent detailing in the door jambs and correct satin black rocker panel trim. The body is in excellent condition, free from significant visual flaws and displaying great fit and panel gaps with very nice closures. The original Sicursiv glass and distinctive side vent trim are in excellent condition showing no sun fading, while the front and rear chrome bumpers are in excellent condition. The lights and original glass are beautifully preserved and the upgraded 17” wheels appear virtually new wearing Michelin Pilot Sport 255/40 ZR17 front and 335/35 ZR17 rear tires. The impressive rear tires convey massive power from the rear view tucked under the iconic hunkered down mid-engine rear body lines.

The interior is in excellent condition consistent with the exterior condition. The rich black leather surfaces are taut and supple, upgraded with custom red pleated seat inserts and door accents, and a smaller diameter aftermarket steering wheel. The headliner, sun visors, dashboard, instruments, switches, and controls are all in excellent condition, including many of the accessories and features. A distinctive sideways mounted AM/FM radio, gated aluminum shifter with reverse safety lockout, beautiful gauges, padded dash, and matching headrest/floor mats logo. The overall interior presentation is well resolved with fine finishes and custom upgrades in keeping with the spirit of the original design.

The engine compartment is clean and largely original. The removable storage tub serves as an excellent tray for luggage stowing and is nicely finished. When removed, the engine and transaxle are fully revealed showing preserved factory finishes along with the distinctive ZF 5-speed gearbox and Pantera suspension. The front storage compartment remains original displaying minor patina to some of the original factory components. An aftermarket aluminum radiator is installed with electric fans. The undercarriage is very nicely preserved, reflective of the low miles and original components. There is no evidence of structural compromise to the chassis or major suspension mounting points.

Items Included with the Car

This beautiful Pantera is offered with the original wheels and the original 195/70 Michelin tires (mounted), four original coil over shocks, the original steering wheel, a set of embroidered floor mats, a spare grille screen, the original owner’s manual, three spare fan belts, misc. Pantera Owners Club literature, SiriusXM QuickStart guide, and copies of service records under current ownership.

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.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608