Fantasy Junction

Description

1973 De Tomaso Pantera L
s/n THPNML04424
Red with Black Interior

De Tomaso’s replacement for the attractive but incompletely resolved Mangusta was the Pantera. Maintaining the impressive ingredients that distinguished the Mangusta, including mid-mounted Ford V8, 5-speed ZF transaxle, and dramatic styling, the Pantera also added monocoque construction. The cars sold quite well, and was produced continuously from its 1971 introduction until the early 1990’s (though US importation ceased officially in 1975). Later cars were substantially changed and the early cars have a certain purity that has ensured that they remain attractive and collectible.

This particular example is a wonderful largely original car that has covered just 7600 miles from new. An early “L” model, this car uses the early “stitched” dashboard with separate gauge pods as opposed to the later molded dash. The car is complete with original MSO, window sticker, owner’s manual, and service records from the last few years showing mechanical servicing. The car had regular fluid changes, as well as rebuilt clutch slave cylinder, rebuilt brake master cylinder, restoration of the brake booster, two rebuilt brake calipers, ceramic coating of the headers, new steering rack bushings, new sway bar bushings, new steering rack boots, new AC compressor, new AC dryer, replacement of some water pipes and servicing of the radiator. The battery was also replaced at this time. All this mechanical work was performed 200 miles ago in 2011.

The car is largely original, with a respray being the only obvious cosmetic restoration work performed. The paintwork was done to very good standards and remains nearly unmarked. It appears that the original paint was saved in a few areas, such as on the cowl and the center rear panel. The body is straight and solid, with no corrosion, and great panel fit and gaps throughout. The brightwork is in excellent original condition throughout save for some pitting on the side mirror. The wheels appear to be original and unrestored and are showing some age. The tires are period Good Year Arrivas, which are correct but should be replaced if the car is going to be driven extensively. The glazing and lamps are in very good condition throughout.

The interior is in superb near time-warp condition, with excellent dashboard, upholstery, carpets, and trim. The seats are virtually unmarked, with only some wear on the driver’s seat back bolster. The gauges are excellent, as are all switches and controls. The headliner is equally nice, as is the steering wheel.

The trunk is in excellent shape as well, with virtually no deterioration to the felt liner. The engine is tucked well forward in the car’s chassis and is in good cosmetic condition, with well-preserved paint on the air cleaner and valve covers. The front compartment is equally nice, and the brake booster and master cylinder for both the brakes and clutch are in excellent shape, with an appearance that would not be out of place on a concours competition ready car. The booster has been refinished with correct cadmium plating with zinc wash and even the correct Bonaldi decal has been reproduced.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire what is likely one of the lowest mileage and finest unrestored Panteras extant. Beautifully preserved and mechanically ready to enjoy (other than the original tires), the car is complete, correct, and well-documented. Representing the purity of the early unadorned cars, this is an investment grade example complete with original manual, tools, window sticker, and original MSO.

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.

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