47k Original Miles: 1972 De Tomaso Pantera

Hiding in this garage is an Italian exotic promising an exhilarating driving experience. It is a 1972 De Tomaso Pantera, and with the seller recently blueprinting its original V8, it should produce plenty of power and torque. It has covered a mere 47,000 miles and is a turnkey proposition. The seller listed the Pantera here on Facebook Marketplace in Novato, California, and it appears they dropped the price from $125,000 to $110,000.

Introduced to replace the Mangusta, Ford collaborated with De Tomaso to market the Pantera in its Lincoln-Mercury dealerships from late 1971 until 1975 as a halo model. It was the first car De Tomaso produced using unibody construction, and rust could be a major issue. However, the seller has been this Pantera’s custodian for over thirty years, and it has spent its life in a dry location. Therefore, the lack of visible problems is unsurprising. The company offered 1972 buyers seven paint shades, and this car’s first owner chose Code V613 Silver. The paint looks consistent across the car, with no apparent patchiness in the limited exterior shots. Many enthusiasts believe these earlier Panteras are the pick of the bunch, featuring elegant European bumpers rather than the more cumbersome ones De Tomaso was forced to adopt in 1973 to meet tighter safety requirements. The trim is in good condition, the glass is clear, and the car sits on its original Campagnolo magnesium wheels.

This Pantera features an aftermarket radio/cassette player. Otherwise, its interior is as it left the factory. Trimmed in Black, the only genuine fault appears to be typical slight wear on the outer carpet edges. The upholstered surfaces are clean, and the overall condition is consistent with the mileage claim. The dash and console are excellent, and there is no visible wheel wear. The seller provides no engine bay images, but there is plenty of good news: it appears that this beauty is numbers-matching, retaining its original Ford 351ci “Cleveland” V8 and five-speed ZF manual transaxle. De Tomaso quoted power and torque figures of 310hp and 380 ft/lbs for the Pantera, stating that it could reach 162mph. This car should at least match those figures, because the listing suggests that the seller rebuilt and blueprinted the V8. Potential buyers should consider the Pantera as a turnkey proposition.

There are many reasons why an owner will choose to part with a beloved classic, and failing health is the cruelest blow. After thirty years in their care, the seller acknowledges that their hand has been forced, and that this 1972 De Tomaso Pantera must find a new home. They suggest possible trades, but don’t elaborate on potential candidates. However, since they are clearly a genuine enthusiast, it may need to match their preference for high-performance models. If you had the ideal candidate, would you consider reaching out? I wish you luck if you do.