I recall the first time that I spied a De Tomaso Pantera – I was immediately smitten! It was a sort of terra cotta colored ’71 version and the sound of it idling was entrancing. Also, being a ’71, it didn’t have Federally mandated ramming speed five MPH bumpers so it had a very svelte Italian style about itself. As for this ’73 example…well. OK, let’s be fair and look it over. Pat L. found this Pantera residing in Kansas City, Missouri, it’s available, here on craigslist for $50,000.
Imported into the U.S. between 1971 and 1975, the Pantera was sold by Lincoln-Mercury dealerships – the association being Pantera’s use of a Ford engine. This particular car has been modified to resemble a GT5 (not to be confused with 1974’s GTS) performance version which was introduced well after 1973. The differences are the extra-sized chin spoiler, side skirts, rear wing, and extended wheel arches. Actually, this example started life as a model “L” or “Luxury” variant. All-in-all, this car looks fine with a sound finish and no sign of body damage or other foibles. That said, the chin spoiler looks to be scraped but I can’t tell with certainty – it may be a reflection too.
Good news/bad news time – the original Ford 351 “Cleveland” V8 engine has had a major rework including, “new pistons and bored out 40 thousands with a mild cam. The heads are the 4V style with a Holley 600 and Edelbrock intake…the headers have been ceramic coated“. The seller also notes that “the 5-speed ZF transmission has been polished” though I’m not sure what that means. The most surprising visual is the engine’s Chevrolet orange hue – what happened to Ford blue?
The bad news is that the engine is no longer installed. It’s been removed to repair the driver’s side rear wheel well. And while not stated, it sounds as if the car is being sold as-is with the next owner having to take on the task of the wheel well repair and reinstalling the engine. At least a new patch panel is included in the sale.
Nothing is said about the interior but it looks pretty sharp. There is a lot of black with contrasting silver trim but it’s tastefully applied. The black upholstered seats feature a highlighted thread pattern and the gated shifter is a cool touch. It’s said that the Pantera is a tight affair for those over six feet in height though the legroom is more than adequate.
I definitely prefer the small bumper version of this iconic sports car right along with non-flared fenders. And while we’re at it, the Delta wing could get 86’d too but those are minor items to consider. I’m more concerned with why the seller doesn’t complete the rust repair and reinstall the engine. That seems suspicious to me, how about you?
the leg room is some of the smallest I’ve ever sat in. It is tiny in that car
I dunno, PJ. Personally, I agree with you. My friend bought one, and brought it over for me to drive, and I could not for the life of me fit in it, under the steering wheel. I was 5’11” and about 170#. Shortly after I made that comment a few years ago on here, I was raked over the coals by people telling me they had played Center for the Steelers, that they were the big/fat man in the circus, you name it, and they all said that they found plenty of room in that car. MAybe they won’t notice your comment. Sigh. Still… I gave you a thumbs up… quietly.
What about the ’53 corvette? – that thing has a huge steering wheel very close to the seat & to anyone’s chest!
Really? OK, I can’t say with certainty, I repeated only what I’ve read. Thx for your input.
JO
I’m 6’0″, 260 lbs and I fit in my ’74 Pantera just fine. The only issue is if you have big feet, as the space between the accelerator and brake is pretty tight. Don’t want to be wearing your work boots when you’re driving this, but sneakers work just fine!
Sometimes people just run out of steam on even the smallest repairs/ projects. I’ve bought a few cars with engines out. Rebuilt em and reinstalled em just to have the original seller buy em back. Lol actually just happened with a nice looking/riding/driving stick 77 Vette. It’s all just nuts and bolts.
Not when it’s sheet metal and paint.
Well great, now I can confidently tell car guys and gals I never bought a Pantera because at 6’4 and 220 pounds, I couldn’t fit in one lol.
Supercharged Coyote swap. For those with a supercharged bank account.
Voodoo…
Two mentions of rust repair noted in the CL advert (good on the seller). There will likely be more than that once you get into this project, hence the “low” ask (relative to what complete non-rusty runners are worth).
cheers,
BT
I was lucky enough to work at an airport valet parking lot in the mid-70s – the best job on the planet for a 17 year old! – and while I never got to drive a Pantera, a “self parker” used to leave his at the lot, and we all looked it over very closely. I was mesmerized by the “gated” shift design; would’ve loved to put it through its paces.
@Pleease – …and the “self parker” knew that, which is why he was a self parker. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.
Wow!! Not much stock here, that interior has a big makeover.
These were listed at $9990 in our town. And I too liked the Cleveland over the Windsor. We worked on a Cleveland one time and I remember you could fit a dollar bill vertically in the intake port. Good times.
Danger Danger Rust is lurking for sure
Jim I am with you that front spoiler is scuffed and there is bindi on the rest of the nose and all down the drivers side the photo of the engine out on the hoist has the block painted black or looks to me. I also agree that rear clown wing would have to go
I love the car but think it may be more of a project than first meets the eye
A good in person inspection is definitely warranted
That rear spoiler looks like it was pulled from a countash.
Yes, the rear spoiler is the same like the Countach one
Purchased a 71 here last winter have enjoyed it a lot.
Agree with the boots,Nikes work good I’m 6,2 255 pretty comfortable wouldn’t want to spend 8 hrs in it…
Have a gt40 also the pantera is more refined but the 40 is more of a beast for sure.
About 1000 pounds lighter is the biggest thing…