De Tomaso Pantera, 1972
De Tomaso Pantera
De Tomaso Pantera•
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Chassis No.: THPNMR02850
Engine No.: 87401807
Registration: SKK 615H
- Rare Italian design with Ford reliability
- Highly collectable with coachwork by Ghia
Manufacturers such as Ferrari and Corvettes dominated the American sports car scene in the US during the late 1960s. De Tomaso had designs on developing a grand tourer that would appeal whilst taking advantage of an exciting streamline design, mid-engined engineering and a significantly more accessible price tag that would also sell in higher numbers. It was at this time that De Tomaso purchased the famous Italian coachbuilders, Ghia, and began to develop the brand-new concept, De Tomaso Pantera by Ghia.
Still using Ford’s 5.8 litre Cleveland, V8 with a five-speed manual gearbox, the race inspired independence suspension benefited from four-wheel disc brakes all round and magnesium Campagnolo wheels with the master cylinders & battery housed in the front compartment for easy access. The interior featured an aggressive cockpit design, full instrumentation, factory air-conditioning and electric windows. This early 1972 example was originally sourced from a private collection in the Middle East before returning to Europe. It has recently had a new clutch and pressure plate fitted as well as a new gear linkage in order to facilitate the driving experience, especially when you compare it to the equally good quality of the, probably original, paintwork.
The engine starts up with a new battery, distributer cap and relatively fresh engine oil. The carpet-lining in the front bay is in good order containing, as it does, the master slave cylinder and battery, also appearing to be sound although it does show signs of light surface corrosion. The De Tomaso club noted that the exhaust system appears to be an after-market unit although this is a relatively inexpensive item to change. It sports the correct Campagnolo alloy wheels all round for additional strength and lightness along with (205/70R15 front and 215/70R15 rear) Nexen tyres as well as the original leather pouch containing the scissor jack.
These are highly sought-after sports cars with a smooth profile, particularly collectable when offered at this price point. Consigned by Edward Bridger-Stille
