A wallflower is a person or object that blends seamlessly into the background in an attempt not to draw attention. It is doubtful that the term would ever describe this 1973 De Tomaso Pantera. These classics could turn heads in factory form, but once you add enormous spoilers, fender flares, and massive wheels and tires, the result is a car begging for attention. This turnkey Pantera should be considered closer to a driver-grade vehicle than a museum piece, although lifting its presentation higher would not be difficult. The seller has listed the De Tomaso here on eBay in Burbank, California. Nineteen bids have pushed the price to $63,860, which is below the reserve.

Penned by Tom Tjaarda, De Tomaso launched the Pantera in 1971 as the successor to its Mangusta. It received strong support from Lee Iacocca, landing in North American Lincoln-Mercury showrooms in late 1971. Early build quality was pretty unsatisfactory, and with De Tomaso’s attention to corrosion prevention techniques severely lacking, many early cars developed major rust problems. Ford stepped away from the Pantera in 1975, although it soldiered on until 1992 in various guises. Our feature car is a 1973 model that makes a bold statement. Someone has added what appears to be a GT5 body kit comprising enormous fender flares, spoilers, and a rear wing. Combined with the car’s Code V108 Red paint, it is guaranteed to turn heads. The seller is candid in their assessment, stating that close inspection will reveal minor flaws and imperfections. That might make it a candidate for a cosmetic refresh, although retaining the Pantera as a high-end driver would be a valid choice. The panels are clean, there are no rust issues, and the bulging fenders perfectly cover the massive three-piece alloy wheels.

The link between the Pantera and Ford went deeper than these cars appearing in Lincoln-Mercury showrooms. Power came from a mid-mounted 351ci “Cleveland” V8, matched to a five-speed ZF transaxle. Emission regulations were biting deeply by the time this Pantera rolled off the lot, with the 351 generating 266hp and 301 ft/lbs of torque. Overseas buyers typically received more power and torque, but this car should still deliver a ¼-mile ET of 14.2 seconds and a top speed beyond 150mph. This engine doesn’t just look neat and clean, because it received a recent refresh. Air and fuel find their way in via a new Holley carburetor and Edelbrock intake, with the spent gases exiting through long-tube headers. Other new components include the alternator, fuel pump, starter, and Pertronix distributor. Throw a rebuilt radiator and brake calipers into the mix, and the buyer shouldn’t need to spend a dime on this classic’s mechanical components.

Trimmed in Black, the interior might be this Pantera’s weak point in its current form. It isn’t horrendous, but it appears there is a seam separation or split hiding below tape on the driver’s seat. Consulting an upholsterer could provide one solution, although, with replacement covers available for around $700 per pair, a car of this caliber probably deserves that approach. The original radio has made way for a modern CD player with door-mounted speakers, with an aftermarket wheel the only other obvious addition.

This 1973 De Tomaso Pantera is stunning, and although it isn’t perfect, it is guaranteed to draw admiring crowds wherever it goes. It isn’t subtle, but that was never the aim of the design exercise. The body updates will make placing a value on it difficult because recent successful sales results suggest that potential buyers run hot or cold once the Pantera has been modified. However, I won’t be surprised if the bidding tops $80,000. Would you pursue this brute further at that price, or will you sit back as an interested observer while the auction draws to an end?