Many people view early versions of the De Tomaso Pantera as the purest and most attractive. Vehicles like this 1974 example lack the myriad scoops and spoilers that appeared on later models, providing a surprisingly elegant appearance. This classic is a survivor that has a genuine 14,200 miles on its odometer. Its condition is all you would expect from a vehicle of this caliber, and it could be ideal for an enthusiast dreaming of sliding behind the wheel of an exotic sports car offering exhilarating performance. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting this stunning survivor.
De Tomaso released the Pantera in 1971 as the replacement for its Mangusta. It enjoyed an impressive production life, with the last cars emerging from the factory in Modena, Italy, in 1992. Ford became involved in the North American import program in late 1971 due to a developing relationship between Alejandro de Tomaso and Lee Iacocca. However, problems soon emerged as it became clear that De Tomaso’s quality control system lacked two crucial factors: Quality and control. Ford became more heavily involved in the build process to improve the finish and durability of cars that would grace showroom floors at its Lincoln-Mercury dealerships. This Pantera rolled off the line in 1974 finished in Red. It was 1-of-4 shades available in that model year, and perfectly accentuates the lines penned by Tom Tjaarda. The seller states that most of the paint is original, although they don’t specify which areas may have previously received attention. The car shines like a new penny, with no visible cosmetic flaws or defects. Early cars were prone to rust, but Ford’s involvement by the time this car emerged from the factory had an enormous positive impact. The lack of visible surface corrosion across various areas suggests this classic is rock-solid. The trim looks excellent, and the beautiful 15″ alloy wheels are spotless.
De Tomaso chose a fairly bulletproof mechanical package for the Pantera that provided performance befitting an Italian exotic. It sourced its 351ci V8 from Ford, which brings us to a fascinating piece of trivia. Ford ended North American production of its 351 Cleveland engine at the end of 1974, but Ford Australia continued churning out these motors until 1982. Therefore, almost any Pantera that rolled out of the factory after 1974 featured an Australian V8. European Pantera buyers had 296hp and 319 ft/lbs of torque available from their mid-mounted 351, although compliance with emission laws resulted in American buyers receiving 266hp and 301 ft/lbs. The power feeds to the road via a five-speed ZF transaxle, allowing the Pantera to cover the ¼-mile in 14.2 seconds on the way to 156mph. The seller indicates that this numbers-matching classic has a genuine 14,200 miles showing on its odometer without mentioning verifying evidence. The car has a known ownership history, meaning such evidence might exist. They provide no information regarding how it runs or drives, but it would be fair to expect any Pantera within the seller’s price range to be a turnkey classic.
The solitary interior image in the seller’s listing makes it hard to examine the finer details, but what is visible looks positive. There is no evidence of wear on the upholstered surfaces or carpet, further supporting the mileage claim. The dash and pad are excellent, and this car scores points with me courtesy of the gated shifter. The wide array of gauges makes the interior look purposeful, although the factory air conditioning and power windows add a welcome splash of comfort.
Ford discontinued its involvement with the De Tomaso Pantera program in 1975, although the badge soldiered on until 1992. This 1974 example is a gem that the seller listed here on Craigslist in Glastonbury, Connecticut. Naturally, the price of admission won’t be cheap, with potential buyers facing the prospect of handing the seller $105,000 to drive away in this classic. That’s a significant sum, guaranteeing that the seller will face limited opportunities to send the Pantera to a new home. However, I believe they will probably succeed if they remain patient. Do you think they will achieve their price, or will compromise be required?
Great write up Adam. You opened my eyes to a couple of things about Pantera’s.
Firstly your comment about quality control, I laughed with a mouthful of coffee, ended up all over my phone.
And I was unaware about the 351 Clevo post 74.
Pantera’s are “sex on wheels”.
Yet again, a six- figure exotic on Craigslist.
Agreed, it should be listed in a reputable auction.
Yes, we hear this every time that an exotic is posted on Craigslist. The seller is generating leads to sell his car. He is probably using more than one venue. Auctions aren’t cheap. The auction house wants their cut of the action too. Good luck to the seller.
Good job Adam. Looks like a nice example. The styling on these has aged well; however, the clunky Ford corporate rear view mirror always looked odd. I’ve read about how they had certain weaknesses, but when sorted out they were relatively easy to live with. I remember a few years ago running into one at a show, and the owner said he regularly drove it as long as the weather was good.
Good specimens easily bring six figures.
First car I was ever in doing 150 mph on an express way! A friend who did custom painting bought one brand new. Within a week he stripped it down and a couple weeks later it was black with the Pantara name below the door openings in gold leaf. That car won many car show awards, and was in many car magazines back in the day.
I’ve recently been wondering what the Pantera might’ve turned into, had it continued production. Would De Tomaso have continued using Ford powerplants? Ford went with the turbo V6 for the GT, would that have been the Pantera’s fate as well? Or maybe a V12 instead? I look at the evolution of Ferrari & Lamborghini, and have to think the Pantera would’ve gained similar performance.
It looks like the current company’s owners are “manufacturing” a beautiful car called the P72, but is inspired by something other than the Pantera.
Compromise is always necessary when priced at this level. Also, cars are made to be driven and there’s a price to pay on low mileage cars with years behind them. Experienced this, no my dealer experienced this, on an SL Mercedes convertible that always had the top off even in the winter. Garage kept no problem for me. Yet the dealer and his scout broke down when returning back to his dealership after dropping off my Ferrari. He was not too pleased.
That interior is mighty clean!! This should sell quickly.
I would hate to have to replace that front “bumper ” !
early versions of the De Tomaso Pantera had chrome bumpers.
A much more attractive car!.
What a beautiful car😁
These look better than the pre ’73 chrome bumpers. YMMV but I have thought this since, well, 1973. Many cars look worse for the transition to the 5 mph front bumper standard of 1973, but not the Pantera.
Corvette owners would disagree – they hate the body colored well integrated front bumper starting on ’73 vettes. Imagine their reaction to this Pantera’s front & rear bumpers. Or worse, if bumpers like these were put on a vette.
Auction fees are ridiculously high a d regularly the auctions from my personal al experience rarely do what they say they will when it come time to sell. They always without fail run late, steal some time from your slot, especially if a prime time slot. They slide an unscheduled car in just before or after your time. Either one of their friends or their own. Can’t recommend it honestly
nice