- Exotic Italian flair with American power
- Upgraded with a wide body kit
- 351-cubic-inch V-8 engine paired with ZF five-speed manual transaxle
LOT 369
Selling on Saturday
From The Passport Collection
1972 De Tomaso Pantera
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
Having established himself as a serious automobile manufacturer with the Mangusta coupe, Alejandro de Tomaso commissioned Lamborghini designer Gianpaolo Dallara to produce the chassis for his new mid-engine supercar, the Pantera. Dallara opted for unitary construction for the steel chassis/body - abandoning the Mangusta's backbone frame. de Tomaso believed there was a significant opportunity to break into the American car market with an Italian design that was less expensive than a Ferrari or Lamborghini.
Ford Motor Company was de Tomaso's partner at the time of the Pantera's introduction in 1971 and thus the Pantera relied on Ford V-8 power. Mated to a ZF all-synchro five-speed transaxle, the 351-cubic-inch (5.8-litre) Cleveland engine enabled the Pantera to complete the 0-60 mph sprint in a little over five seconds and touch 160 mph flat out. Styled by Tom Tjaarda at Carrozzeria Ghia, the stunning coupe body was in fact built by Vignale, both companies being part of De Tomaso's empire in the early 1970s. De Tomaso's longstanding relationship with the Ford Motor Company led to an arrangement whereby the Pantera was distributed through select Lincoln-Mercury dealerships in the U.S. Road & Track named the Pantera its "Sports Car of the Year" in 1973. The car boasted technical delights such as a pressed-steel underpan, all-independent suspension, five-speed ZF manual transaxle, and four-wheel disc brakes. Power windows were also standard equipment. In total, 5,629 were sold in the United States, including 1,007 the first year, before new safety regulations dictated an exit from the U.S. market in 1975.
Finished in a rich dark maroon, this 1972 Pantera has been upgraded with a wide body kit that elevates its already aggressive and low stance. Applied some years ago, the paint still presents quite well with just a few signs of roadgoing enjoyment. The low-slung body rides on a set of wide rear Yokohama tires and the quad exhausts produce a rippling sound, matching the overall characteristics of the Pantera.
The cabin is trimmed in a black upholstery that presents well. The interior offers the driver and a guest multiple amenities, such as air-conditioning, power windows, a Sony stereo system, Pioneer speakers, and a stack of gauges that measure the amps, fuel, water, and oil. Power for this feisty Pantera is derived from the rear-mounted, 351-cubic-inch Cleveland V-8 engine that is mated to a five-speed ZF manual transaxle. Producing a naturally aspirated 300 horsepower and retaining a lightweight body, it's a blast to drive and garners attention wherever it is driven. This example is further equipped with power steering and power four-wheel disc brakes, adding to its handling and stopping abilities.
With their clean, sharp lines, and strong powertrains, these Panteras have continued to rise in desirability among collector circles. This Pantera is the complete package, combining the sleek style and design of iconic Italian sports cars with the highly desirable brutish power of an American performance car.
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