Fantasy Junction

Description

1974 DeTomaso Pantera L
s/n THPNPU07355
Silver with Black Interior

The dawn of the 1970s was greeted eagerly at the Modena, Italy Show where American born designer Tom Tjaarda's Ghia built Pantera had just debuted. The innovative Pantera arrived as a steel monocoque design, sporting fresh angular coachwork, and a powerful, mid-mounted American V8 engine. A few weeks later the Pantera arrived at the New York Motor Show taking America by storm, where it would be immediately put into production. The Pantera came with many standard features including electric windows, air-conditioning, and performance bonuses like power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes and rack and pinion steering. Under the rear deck lid, the powerful 351 cu in V8 engine produced a grossly underrated 330 hp (contemporary dynos show power was closer to 375hp), which linked up to a five-speed ZF transaxle. The 1971 Pantera could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, making them formidable sports cars for their era.

In late 1971, Ford began importing Panteras to the US, dramatically improving production with precision body stampings and higher quality control. For 1972, the new 4-bolt main 351 cu in. with the aggressive \"Cobra Jet\" camshaft was installed. The \"Lusso\" (luxury) Pantera L was also introduced, in August 1972 as a 1972½ model. US market cars featured an angular black front bumper that incorporated a built-in airfoil, necessary to reduce front end lift at high speeds. The \"L\" model featured many factory upgrades and engineering updates resulting in the 1973 model being awarded Road Test Magazine’s “Import Car of The Year” beating out Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, and Porsche. Although American import ceased in 1975, the Pantera would continue in European production until 1990, retaining essentially the same iconic body design launched two decades earlier.

This 1974 Pantera L has been in the same family for over twenty years. Purchased in California in 1995 with only 19,000 miles, the car has covered a total of 27,500 miles since new, having been carefully maintained by both father and son over the past two decades. In 2013 (mileage 26,185) the car was treated to a complete engine rebuild, and engine compartment reconditioning and freshening by Pantera experts at Emiles Sports Car Performance in Santa Cruz, CA. A detailed invoice shows machine work, custom fabrication for hydraulic lines, alloy flywheel, new competition clutch, balancing of all engine components, new cam and rollers, and water pump, totaling over $18,000.00. The newly rebuilt engine has only 1000 miles on it with service at the 500 mile break in point. Over the years, this Pantera has been faithfully cared for, stored indoors under a car cover (included with the sale) and driven minimally for shows or pleasure.

Panteras are exceptional cars in many respects, yet they benefit mechanically from proper updates in technology and engineering. Over the years, this Pantera has been carefully updated with Wilwood brakes, new A/C with R-134 (recently serviced and blowing cold), Koni adjustable shocks, Borla exhaust, Edelbrock intake and carb, electronic ignition, an updated radiator with electric cooling fans, and a new steering rack. Throughout the years of ownership the car has enjoyed regular service and proper attention to detail without compromising originality.

Cosmetically, this Pantera makes a handsome presentation, due in part to the metallic silver paint. Subtle and elegant, silver was the favorite of the original designer and one can easily sees why with viewing this example. The paint exhibits a consistent high gloss with very nice metallic coverage overall. The silver metallic was applied in the late 1990s, but remains in excellent condition due to indoor, dry climate storage. The hood, rear deck, and doors open and shut properly with very nice gapping and fit. The glass, lighting, and lenses are all in excellent condition, as are the emblems and various trim throughout the car. Most notably, the US specification front rubber bumper remains serviceable. The wheels are very nice examples of correct Campagnola double-slotted 8” fronts and 10” rears with proper sized tires showing ample tread.

Inside, the car presents a consistent honest interior with a very nice dashboard and a beautiful array of original instruments. The instruments display clear glass, very nice dial faces, and excellent chrome trim. The center console and padded dash are smooth and supple with no evidence of excessive sun damage or warpage. The seats are in excellent condition appearing to have been recovered at some point in the early 1990s. There is an aftermarket radio with door speakers and an aftermarket steering wheel, adding a touch of modern driving to this classic sports car.

Under the hood, the rear engine compartment is nicely detailed and very well maintained. Attention has been given to originality with updates to important performance aspects including fittings, hoses, clamps, and misc. engine hardware. Tidy presentation overall is revealed when removing the trunk liner, which has been thoughtfully maintained, showing only minor evidence of use. The front compartment features the original spare tire (for show use only) in very nice original condition including the liner and components. The underside of the car reveals further evidence in support of the low miles and careful use this Pantera has seen. There is no evidence of notable structural compromises or significant corrosion when examining the floor structure and suspension mount areas. The excellent original floor can be largely attributed to the likelihood that this Pantera has lived in California since new.

As one might expect, the car bursts to life quickly and easily with the flick of the ignition key. The American bred V8 wakes up with a ferocity that demands respect. Once inside, the throaty idle settles into a warm burble as you engage the clutch and 5-speed ZF transaxle. Gearing is comfortable and the clutch not nearly as heavy as you might expect given the competition nature. This is partly due to the improved hydraulic upgrade to increase city driving and usability. Acceleration is exhilarating as only a mid-engine car can deliver. Gently pressing against your back, second gear comes up in a matter of seconds, and before you know it, you are rapidly at highway speeds. The upgraded Wilwood braking is firm and impressive, bringing the car down from high speeds smoothly and confidently. Steering is tight and responsive with good bite getting slightly lighter at higher speeds, while still maintaining stability. Cornering is limited only by driver skill and bravery.

The car comes with the original dual pane rear glass (removed for improved cooling), a spare set of emblems, the original window switches (new ones installed in the car), spare wiper blades, the original service manuals, ownership manuals, all service/repair records (dating back to 1995), several POCA and PI magazines, and a high quality car cover.

This very nicely sorted original 1974 Pantera L has been faithfully preserved and updated by a dedicated father and son team for more than 20 years. The exceptional mid-engine driving experience coupled with low mile originality and thoughtful preservation make this Pantera a wonderful car to drive and enjoy, and show locally for many years to come.

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