Owned by Carroll Shelby: 1987 De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S

When it comes to supercars, the 1980s were one of the peak eras for wildly-styled vehicles that packed performance to match their cosmetic enhancements. The Lamborghini Countach, Ferrari Testarossa, and even lesser cars like the Chrysler Conquest and Toyota Celica were all packing serious attitude with fender flares, big wings, wide wheels, and powerful drivetrains. While it’s not thought of as often as other top performance cars of the era, the De Tomaso Pantera GT5-S is right there with all of those exotics combining a twin-turbocharged V8 with all-steel bodywork. This example featured here at RM Sothebys has quite a backstory in addition to being incredibly rare, as it once belonged to Carroll Shelby.

Gosh, look at that stance. If you’re an 80s enthusiast, this Pantera is the ultimate expression of every styling trend that dominated both factory and aftermarket performance cars. The important thing to note about this particular Pantera is the “S” designation at the end of its model nomenclature: it signifies that this version of the macho GT5 had steel bodywork enhancements as opposed to the fiberglass fenders in the earlier version. As the listing notes, single-piece flared steel fenders, side skirts, a front air dam, and large rear wing created an imposing Group 5-inspired appearance.

As this Pantera belonged to Carroll Shelby, it came with essentially every option in the book. White leather, wood trim, and matching white-painted Campagnolo wheels made this a Pantera fit for a performance car icon. The Pantera also shows a mere 1,567 miles on the clock. Because of the Shelby connection, it was supposedly used as a test-bed for the original Dodge Viper concept, a fascinating anecdote that is hopefully supported with sufficient evidence. Regardless, the Pantera is in highly original condition with no discernible modifications from stock – save for one important detail that was amazingly rectified after it was discovered.

The original turbocharged engine had been previously removed while the Pantera sat in storage. The Pantera utilized several different powerplants over the years as Shelby experimented with engines to serve as possible solutions for the forthcoming Viper. While Dodge ultimately decided on the V10, this didn’t change the fact that the original twin-turbocharged was missing. After extensive searching, the correct engine was found and effectively overhauled before returning to its ancestral home in this special GT5-S. With 350 horsepower and 333 lb.-ft. of torque, this is a powerful variant that will surely become a centerpiece of the next collection it’s housed in. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Araknid78 for the tip.