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Custom Widebody: 1972 De Tomaso Pantera

It’s not at all uncommon to see the classic DeTomaso Pantera show up in project car form despite being classified as a vintage slice of exotica. Despite their Italian heritage, the Ford powerplant seemingly made it seem like less of a sin to chop one up, or otherwise leave it covered in primer for years at a time. That’s certainly the case with this 1972 example that was well on its way to being heavily modified with some serious bodywork already completed. It is offered up here on eBay as an unfinished project with its drivetrain still intact, and what sounds like a boatload of expensive parts already installed. Bidding is at just over $30,000 with the reserve unmet.

Buried in the description is what sounds like the most extensive modification of all, which was to widen the Pantera by two inches and incorporate new fenders that were designed to emulate the classic Ferrari F40. It doesn’t make sense at first, but then you see the Pantera from the side and note the subtle indentation integrated into the bodywork just ahead of the rear wheels, along with the raised profile of the front fenders hiding what looks like a scoop extending down the height of the fender panel. It’s an interesting look that makes an acceptable transition to the Pantera’s bodywork, but you do wonder why the work stopped here with so much heavy lifting already done.

The engine remains installed in the compartment, with no details offered as to its health or maintenance history. The seller rattles off a variety of high-performance parts that have been installed, including 180 degree headers, roll bar, aftermarket shocks and springs, OZ / Fittipaldi wheels, and custom carpeting and steering wheel (but no photos of the interior are provided, so we can’t say for sure what that entails.) The description reads like the Pantera has been in a constant project state for some time, and that it hasn’t run in a few years, likely as a result of this ongoing transformation that has now stalled. The seller notes the original intent was for it to resemble the stillborn concept known as the Pantera 2000.

There’s no way to judge the quality of the bodywork from here, but that’s a big part of the value proposition for any potential owners. There’s no denying wide fenders and wider wheels tend to up the eyeball appeal, but you’d still want to find out what sort of materials were used and if they were custom or based off of existing molds, as repairing future cosmetic damage could be a headache later on. The choices in wheels would indicate a money-is-no-object decision, but did this project stall due to lack of funds? If so, watch out for the proverbial corners being cut. More details on what got this Pantera to this point and no farther are a must. Would you take on a half-finished project like this?

Comments

  1. Avatar Terrry

    For someone who expects top dollar for this project, they sure didn’t put much effort in photos. And if that’s the case, what’s the quality of work?

    Like 9
  2. Avatar Mike

    Too far into the project to go back to original. Looks like he’s going in the right direction, but the finishing details are going to make/break the final product. The garage looks like museum to custom vehicles circa 2003.

    Like 1
  3. Avatar Mike Roberts

    The skirts destroy the beautiful, unique lines this Pantera was born with. It’s like someone put it in a metal coffin.

    Like 15
    • Avatar Ralph

      To quote the great George Costanza.
      “was that wrong? should I not have done that?”
      One can get away with this crap on a Pinto or VW, but a Pantera?
      We bid tree-fiddy for the Loch Ness monster here.

      Like 10
  4. Avatar Miguelito Loveless

    It looks like a low rider !

    Like 8
  5. Avatar markp

    I saw this last night and cried myself to sleep, what a travesty

    Like 7
  6. Avatar bobhess Member

    I love it. Raising up the original cars to meet the headlight laws really ruined the design flow of the body. If you go back and look at some of the prototypes you can see some of this car there. Admit the skirts are a bit far out but painted they shouldn’t jump out at you too bad. The proper paint color is going to make this car something special.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar DRV

    Ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch….

    Like 3
  8. Avatar FrankD

    One the few exotic cars you can hot rod and get away with it. If it was modified to look like a GT5s or a Group 3 Pantera. It would be a money car! Some of Hall’s future looking parts devalued the car.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Howie Mueler

    All those photos and no interior and one bad engine photo? With all the mods it is now worth less. I do like those wheels!! Ends today, hope it sells.

    Like 2
  10. Avatar FrankD

    If the new buyer pays $35 to $40k now. How much is he allowed to spent w/o being in the hole for a running and driving Pantera. Since you can pick a Pantera up for under 6 figures? Restoration are and can be a financial ruin to some people. That’s why we see plenty of them all day long.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Steve Douglas

    Ill advised butchery.

    Like 5
  12. Avatar Howie Mueler

    Reserve met at $40k. 3 hours left.

    Like 1
  13. Avatar Joe

    Run…………………..Screaming.

    Like 3
  14. Avatar Quadcam

    The cheerleader that you lusted for in high school 40 yrs later a trailer dwelling couch potato munching Cheetos.

    Like 6
  15. Avatar RC

    Why would you take and modify such an epic machine! The original is priceless, I would put it back to the factory ride! Ridiculous!

    Like 1
  16. Avatar douglas hunt

    when i was in high school i loved these cars, way out of my league now, and i still prefer the stock oem look.

    Like 2
  17. Avatar Howie Mueler

    Sold $45,101

    Like 2
  18. Avatar Araknid78

    Ended:
    Jul 24, 2021
    Winning bid:
    US $45,101.00
    [ 30 bids ]

    Item location:
    Greeneville, Tennessee

    Like 0
  19. Avatar Retiredstig Member

    In 1973, George Barris built a Pantera for Michael Jackson’s brother, Jackie. Amongst its most hideous features were an avacado green vinyl top and a single flexi side pipe exhaust coming out of the front fender panel.
    The guy who butchered this car is running neck and neck with Barris.

    Like 3
  20. Avatar SubGothius

    Huh, never realized those vent grilles behind the rear quarter windows were just for show, with no actual sheetmetal opening behind them to ventilate anything.

    Like 0
  21. Avatar Steven

    Couldn’t they have just stuck with a crappy Fiero instead of screwing up a true classic?.

    Like 0
    • Avatar RC

      I wouldn’t even do that to a Fiero! 0

      Like 0
  22. Avatar Melton Mooney

    First Pantera I’ve ever seen that I didn’t want.

    Like 2

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