When sexy Italian supercar design lines meet domestic muscle car power, you will find the De Tomaso Pantera. This unique mid-engined machine blends things that wouldn’t normally mix, and it packages them into a vehicle whose very name evokes the idea of cat-like reflexes, agility, and speed. The Pantera’s name, after all, is the Italian translation of “panther.”
Featured in the Barrett-Jackson Collection Showroom is a 1972 De Tomaso Pantera that is worthy of the finest in automotive museums. It has been upgraded with long-tube headers, De Tomaso valve covers, refurbished power windows, and factory air conditioning. The Showroom is proud to present this car in its curated collection located in Scottsdale, Arizona. And it can be yours.
Pantera Origins
The Pantera’s unmistakable wedge-shaped silhouette and angular lines were designed with aerodynamic purposes in mind. The look was drawn up by an Italian design firm called Carrozzeria Ghia by Tom Tjaarda, the same man who is also credited with designing the Ferrari 365 California. The Pantera used a steel monocoque chassis and had a curb weight of just 3,100 pounds. Its pop-up headlights, rear spoiler, and quad-outlet exhaust system all worked together to make a clear performance statement – and that was before the engine even fired up.
The Pantera was first presented at the New York Auto Show in 1970, and final assembly throughout production took place in Modena, Italy. Marketing in North America was handled through Lincoln-Mercury dealerships, and needless to say, this car stood out from everything else on dealer lots. Although worldwide production continued into the early 1990s, Ford stopped importing the Pantera in 1975 after selling about 5,500 units. Worth noting was an aesthetic change that took place in mid-1972 when a new “Lusso” (luxury) Pantera variant added a black airfoil to the front bumper. Today’s featured car was assembled earlier in the year, so it has the slim “pre-Lusso” look, which some prefer.
Potent Power
The Pantera’s secret performance ingredient could be found mid-mounted in its chassis, where a robust Cleveland 351cid V8 was mated to a ZF five-speed manual transaxle. Even in factory-configured equipment, the car was said to be capable of about 160 miles per hour. Getting the power to the pavement in today’s case is a set of staggered BFGoodrich tires wrapped around Campagnolo magnesium wheels. A four-wheel independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and four-wheel disc brakes keep things compliant and controlled when things start to get a little rowdy.
Pounce On It
It is hard to believe the Pantera design is now 50 years old. Tom Tjaarda must have had a crystal ball, because when he sketched out this car, he in so doing created an automotive icon that still holds its own in the performance car realm today.
If you have ever dreamt of owning a car that screams Italian supercar looks but sounds like a muscular V8, this is the only place you need to look. Give this Pantera a thorough look in the Barrett-Jackson Collection Showroom today. It is being offered at $105,000.
