The De Tomaso Pantera was renowned for three things. It offered mind-bending performance and stunning looks. However, these Italian-built classics developed an unwelcome reputation for rusting mercilessly. This 1972 Pantera is an exception, as it is as solid as the day it left the line. Its presentation is respectable, but there are cosmetic flaws the new owner will undoubtedly address to lift its appearance. Since the work isn’t urgent, the buyer can enjoy this classic during the upcoming summer months, treating it to the TLC it needs as a rewarding winter project. The seller has listed the De Tomaso here on eBay in Littleton, Colorado. They set their BIN at $94,000 with the option to make an offer.
De Tomaso launched the Pantera in 1971 as a successor to the Mangusta. Although flawed, the Pantera was widely regarded as superior to its predecessor. It remained in production until 1992, with most of the 7,260 vehicles produced sold in North America between late 1971 and 1975. The seller states that they discovered this 1972 example hidden away in a Wyoming garage, a spot it had occupied for at least ten years. They liberated it in 2021 and returned it to active service after discovering it was rust-free. Its Red paint is dazzling, retaining an excellent shine after years of hibernation. The Pantera isn’t perfect; the front-left corner shows paint and panel damage. However, since that issue isn’t severe, any reputable shop should have little trouble putting it right. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the revival included reconditioning and polishing the beautiful magnesium wheels.
The Pantera may be Italian, but the mid-mounted 351ci V8, producing over 300hp, is 100% American. Performance is legendary, with De Tomaso claiming a top speed of 162mph. Power feeds to the rear wheels via a five-speed ZF transaxle, with the Pantera featuring four-wheel independent suspension and disc brakes on all corners, creating a total driving package. The seller undertook a meticulous revival process after becoming this classic’s custodian, leaving no stone unturned. The fuel, braking, and lubrication systems all received plenty of TLC. They fitted a new water pump, belts, hoses, and gaskets as required. The results justified the effort and expense because this Pantera is a turnkey proposition.
Apart from rust, the Pantera earned a reputation for deteriorating interior trim. The seller addressed some concerns by replacing the seatcovers, foam, and carpet. It appears that the rest of the interior is original, and the lack of issues suggests it has been treated respectfully and protected from long-term UV exposure. These cars always win my heart, because nothing says “Italian exotic” like a gated shifter. The seller indicates that the air conditioning no longer functions and that a previous owner installed an overhead console housing a stereo with a few issues. Otherwise, this Pantera’s interior looks pretty good.
Lee Iacocca was a proud American, but he never denied his Italian heritage. Therefore, that he should form a relationship with Alejandro de Tomaso and persuade Ford to market the Pantera via its Lincoln-Mercury dealerships was unsurprising. The partnership was relatively short-lived, but it allowed domestic buyers to experience a genuine European exotic with homegrown power. This 1972 Pantera isn’t perfect, although potential buyers should view its rust-free state as a victory when tin worm has consumed so many of these classics. It isn’t cheap, but the listing statistics suggest it has generated reasonable interest. Are you tempted to park this beauty in your garage, or is the price more than you are willing to pay?
This is possibly the best looking car of the era and still today is high on the charts. Just looking at the stance, it says power, arodynamics and the American V8 is just icing on the cake. The interior is basic and these were sold at American dealership! Yeah they had cooling system issues and rust problems later. But come on it’s one heck of a car!
I remember being a boy and we went to a local new car show, which used to be held in a mall. The Pantera had just been announced, and there was one at the show. Being a Blue Oval family, we ogled over the car. Especially the 5 figure MSRP! But, it did make the $2000 Mercury Capri seem like a screaming deal.
I was gobsmacked when these came out as a teen. First one I saw was on the construction site I was working. It was bright green and owned by the sidewalk contractor. He was slapping his sons around, then threw crusty steel pins from the concrete forms in it like it was a pickup. Still can’t believe it.
The original styling (like this one) was spectacular. Later-on updates (wings, bulges, etc) did, imo, detract from the appeal. American power says “No need for 2nd mortgage for engine work”.
I remember the original sales artwork showing the Pantera as a upper-crust sporty ride, not as some crazed track rat car. Liked that. Across town (over the tracks, where the fancy people lived) resided a DeTomaso Mangusta, which had a rear-end look that hooked me on the brand.
I lust after Panteras, especially the GT5-S versions. These versions, without the wing and wide-body fenders, are also very cool to admire, in this thousandaire’s humble opinion.
I defiitely prefer the chrome bumper versions (like this one) over the rubber bumper versions. Very nice
People pay 6 figures plus for Mopar hemis–I would much rather have one of these. If I could, would make him an offer. Big if.
There used to be a shop in NW Ohio that restored these Panteras!!
Loved looking at them in various stages of restoration.
NICE Pantera here!!