De Tomaso Pantera, 1973
Chassis No.: THPNNK06566 Engine No.: 05640 Registration: YND 545L Sold De Tomaso's replacement for their successful Mangusta in 1971 was the avant-garde and stylish Pantera. Maintaining the best of the ingredients from the Mangusta, including the mid-mounted 300 horsepower, Ford 351ci, V8 Cleveland engine, five-speed ZF transaxle and dramatic styling, the Pantera also added monocoque construction into the mix, the first instance of De Tomaso using this construction technique. The Pantera was produced until 1991 with the last one being delivered to a customer in 1992. It was designed by American, Tom Tjaarda, making its public debut in Modena in March 1970 and was presented at the New York Motor Show a few weeks later. Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes and rack and pinion steering were all standard equipment on the Pantera which could accelerate from 0-60mph in an eye-watering 5.5 seconds. The cars sold well with various derivatives emerging from the factory, although it is the early cars that have a certain purity ensuring they remain the most attractive and thus collectible. Presented in stunning red paintwork with contrasting black leather trim, this example of the ‘wolf in wolfs clothing’ is in fabulous order throughout. Recently converted to accommodate the height of the present owner, with a lowered floor and carbon seat (original seat included), this example also adds a touch of driveability. Sitting on new rear wheels with Avon CZZ's tyres fitted and upgrades include Wilwood brakes and Billet handbrake. The engine has, we are informed, just been rebuilt by the chairman of De Tomaso club with a roller top end, forged pistons, high flow water pump, Pertronix billet distributor, new crank and Quench heads, so we are assured this is a good strong engine coupled with a new clutch. Offered with a UK V5 registration document, the all important Marti Report and bills for the aforementioned maintenance, this is an example of Italian flair meeting American muscle and yields an incredible result. https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=4362&au=77
