Some classics are genuinely a triumph of style over substance, failing to deliver the performance their appearance suggests. However, you can’t level that criticism at this 1977 De Tomaso Pantera GTS. Its engine bay houses a 351ci V8, so that sounds pretty normal. What makes it special is the upgrades, which push the engine to 500hp. It looks fast standing still, and it could match those looks on the open road with a mere tickle of the gas pedal. The Pantera is set for a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Araknid78 for spotting this amazing classic listed here at Mecum Auctions. It is set to cross the block on October 24th in Fort Worth, Texas.
De Tomaso released the Pantera in 1971 as its replacement for the Mangusta. It incorporated many of its predecessor’s design elements into the latest model, including the mid-mounted Ford V8. The biggest change, and one that has caught a few less experienced buyers in later years, was the company’s decision to adopt monocoque construction for the first time. Sadly, De Tomaso’s reputation for rust issues meant that while Mangusta body repairs were often relatively straightforward, similar issues in the Pantera could potentially compromise the car’s structural integrity. That is why any potential Pantera purchase should include an in-person inspection. That said, this 1977 GTS looks like a gem with no apparent problems. Its Bright Red paint holds a mirror shine, and I can’t spot any genuine cosmetic shortcomings. It features a later rear spoiler, but it retains crisp GTS styling, without the enormous fender flares found on the later GT5. The Campagnolo-style alloy wheels give the car an elegant, timeless appearance, and the glass is excellent.
This Pantera started life in Switzerland, and it is unclear when it arrived in North America. It features a mid-mounted 351ci Ford V8, sending its power to the road through a five-speed ZF transaxle. The mechanical package included four-wheel independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and four-wheel power disc brakes. That combination showed De Tomaso focused on a “total” package, but straight-line performance defined the Pantera. The 351 produced 325hp and 344 ft/lbs of torque, with the factory quoting a top speed of 174mph. That figure remains impressive almost fifty years after this car left the factory, but it is also irrelevant in the face of a profound engine update. The motor fitted to this De Tomaso retains its standard bore, but the seller had it stroked to 403ci. They fitted aluminum Trick Flow cylinder heads, and it is now rated at 500hp. This beast has clocked only around 500 miles since the build and is a turnkey proposition. Those who prefer authenticity will welcome the news that the sale includes the original V8.
The Pantera’s interior features seats retrimmed in Black cloth and leather, an upgraded CD stereo, and a three-spoke Momo wheel. Otherwise, it is as it left the factory, including the genuine Italian gauges. It’s extremely tidy, with no major problems or shortcomings. The upholstered surfaces are excellent, there is no significant carpet wear, and the plastic and dash haven’t succumbed to UV exposure. It wins my heart because of the gated shifter, as I’ve always believed that every Italian exotic should feature one.
After Ford ended its collaboration with De Tomaso in 1975, most later Panteras prowling North American roads were privately imported. Our 1977 example is one of those cars, and the seller has transformed an already impressive performer into a fire-breathing beast. It won’t suit most enthusiasts, and the potential auction price when the hammer falls will mean that only a relatively small number of people could potentially give it a new home. The bidding is virtually guaranteed to climb into six-figure territory, but we can only speculate how high it will go. It will be interesting to gauge your guesses and to learn whether any Barn Finders can hit the figure on the head.
Panteras are so cool – they fit in at a muscle car meet or a supercar display. The GT5-S is one of my top ten favourite car designs. I love how clean and simple that engine bay looks, on this one.
In the mid-80’s, when I worked at an auto shop in S. Florida a customer dropped me off after work in his black over black GT5-S at the local watering hole. The bar was all windows & I felt like a king when I walked inside! As a teen in hs auto-shop, 70’s, the Pantera was always a fav!
Doesn’t look simple to change spark plugs or a water pump. How the F**** do you set timing??
It’s not too bad. You pull the back wall out; it takes less than 5 min.
That wing is a super bad idea. The only thing it’s going to do is lift the front end at high speeds.
Yeah, but you’ll look ultra-cool while doing it.
Agree, although the other effect might be to reduce top-speed; that was the trade-off for Lamborghini Countach buyers when the option of a rear wing was added in 1978. In 1973, Porsche issued a public advisory, warning owners NOT to fit to other 911s (or 912s) the Carrera RS’s suddenly fashionable ducktail rear spoiler unless the companion front air dam was also installed: “Instant instability” was guaranteed at speed.
I agree with Rob – that wing is super ugly takes away from the body lines.
Plus that lipstick 💄 red Screams Giggalo Gay Boy
Dump the wing – repaint a Dark Wine Metallic Flake fading to Black Graphite metallic & then it has Presence, wheels powder coated dark Graphite metallic plus exhaust tips & door handles.
Car like this is like a SUIT even when Well Made by fine Italian tailors if it’s TOO LOUD its simply WRONG.
The POWER speaks for itself as a Well Built Man in a Fine Suit obviously will do…no need for PIMP RED coloring.
I hit like when replying. If there was a way to delete it, I would. In fact, if there was a way to hit a “Dislike” button, I would…….
Let’s start with spelling, grammar and basic sentence structure, Moneywhatever. And then let’s move on to your need to use a sexual slur to get a poorly-found opinion across. All of the foregoing speaks to your lack of, oh I don’t know, self awareness perhaps?
Now on to your opinion on the colour. Yeah yeah yeah, heard it all before from you. You’d put a highly customized paint scheme more suited to a monster truck on an exotic classic car – which would do what for value, let alone the buying audience? You’d do this, you’d do that. But, have you ever actually done any of it???? Please, I am certain we are all just dying to learn of your automotive exploits….Tell us.
Very well stated Bill.
Knock off the snotty comments, billwhatever.
We’re friends here who love cars, enjoy swapping ideas and memories, and RESPECT each other’s opinions.
We don’t need turds floating around in our punch bowl. Go find yourself another place to secrete your words of wisdom.
Minus the wing I really like this car. The closest I’ve ever come to driving or riding in one was watching a YT video where the driver had a camera mounted inside and he was screaming around turns etc, but it was more than sufficient to know what these things are like when they’re being driven full out.. holy moly.
Absolutely my dream car! This or an ’87 in white.
Beyond Mr. Shelby’s wonderful creations, my favorites being the Cobras and the GT 40s, this is my next exotic bucket list dream car.
Panteras were new in my younger years and who didn’t want one?! If only…!
I love Panteras and I love me that shiny red car but I hate that spoiler.
It totally breaks up the lines of the car. Visualize the car without it and change my mind if you can. (ps) after reading some replies here it seems many of us are in furious agreement.
green-red?, green-red?; left-right?, left-right; ‘ford’-cheb.
Nope, my eyes stuck w/the pantera. Now C1, ’58/60 models? I woulda chose the cheb. Y? ever back a pantera into the garage? I needed 3 tries to get it on the lift. aahahahaa
BUT, my goodness, what a car (& motor: Clev 351, till ’86 when ran out of Oz motors). This neighbor’s hada 429 (a street/track not the FE family). The ‘truck basis’ can really be seen in the cheb when up close’n personal. Italian? all the way w/the “ford”.
Funny, nother post that after hit send 1/2 doz other not-previously-shown posts pop up. Guess puter wants us to think “Not many entries, may B I’ll post 1.”