De Tomaso Pantera Gr. 4 “Bonneville”, 1971
De Tomaso Pantera
De Tomaso Pantera•
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Chassis No.: THPNLL01508
Not Sold
British registration title, customs cleared in France
Prepared racing car, including roll cage, sold without controle technique
« The fastest Pantera! »
At the 1970 New York Motor Show, De Tomaso unveiled its latest model, the Pantera, with renewed ambition. Indeed, the previous model, the Mangusta, had been a mixed success, as the car proved to be fragile and difficult to drive. The Italian firm therefore called upon the engineer Gianpaolo Dallara, co-designer of the legendary Miura. Derived from its big sister, the Mangusta, the Pantera ultimately became the brand’s greatest success, with over 7,200 units produced.
A true sports car, it featured a self-supporting steel monocoque. Originally launched in partnership with Ford, which supplied the Mustang V8, the first version – despite being constrained by industrial requirements and American standards – proved a resounding success.This success was evident in competition too: Le Mans, Sebring, Monza, Silverstone, the Nürburgring… It would become one of the iconic GTs of the 1970s on racetracks around the world.
The Pantera shown here is an interesting variant of the early models, which began its life in the USA as a road car before being converted into a racing car in 1980 by two brothers with the aim of setting speed records at Bonneville Salt Flats. With a tuned engine and extended gear ratios, the first record attempt reached 183 mph. The following year, with the car fine-tuned, the 200 mph barrier was smashed, with the car reaching 201.2 mph – a world record.
The car was subsequently exported to Sweden in 2003 and then to Denmark, where an initial Group IV conversion was carried out by Aquila Racing Cars. Based on the same Cleveland V8 as the production Pantera, the competition engine was fitted with aluminium cylinder heads. This reduced the engine’s weight and increased compression. Now fitted with four Weber carburettors and aided by ‘spaghetti’ exhausts inspired by the GT40, the V8 is said to produce around 500 hp. Thus began a long career in historic racing across Europe. Sold in 2016, it was fully restored, both bodywork and mechanics, by TDS Racing.
In France, it has distinguished itself through several appearances in the Tour Auto, notably in 2018. The PTH will be renewed in 2022. A service has just been carried out, including a check-up of the Weber carburettors and an oil change. To return to the track and special stages, the bucket seats and harnesses will need to be replaced.
https://www.aguttes.com/lot/V26AOW05/eba55674-583c-4ddc-a320-71273651c624
