Rebuilt 351: 1973 De Tomaso Pantera

The De Tomaso Pantera enjoyed a long production run and was sold through Lincoln/Mercury dealerships in North America from 1971 until 1975. Ford viewed it as a Halo model, and although early cars experienced quality-control issues, approximately 5,500 of these classics rolled off showroom floors before Ford discontinued its association with De Tomaso. The seller treated this 1973 example to a long list of recent mechanical work, including rebuilding its 351ci V8 engine. It requires work to return to its former glory, but since it is a turnkey proposition, the buyer could perform those tasks as time and circumstances allow. The seller has listed the Pantera here on eBay in Littleton, Colorado. Bidding sits below the reserve at $18,100, with a BIN option of $83,000 for those viewing it as a must-have item.

De Tomaso released the Pantera in 1971 as its successor to the Mangusta. Although the latest offering wasn’t perfect, contemporary road tests suggested that it represented a major improvement over the car it replaced. That it found its way onto the North American market was unsurprising, because Lee Iacocca had developed a strong relationship with Alejandro de Tomaso, viewing the Pantera as the ideal vehicle to lure potential customers into showrooms. Buyers in 1973 could select from four paint shades, with this car finished in Code V108 Red. The seller is candid about the car’s condition, admitting that the new owner will discover cosmetic flaws requiring attention. Of greater concern is rust, which the seller states is present in several spots. They don’t elaborate, although they say that this Pantera is structurally sound. Only an in-person inspection will reveal the truth, exposing whether the restoration would entail a nut-and-bolt approach to achieve a high-end result.

The Pantera perfectly combined Italian styling flair with American muscle. De Tomaso selected to mid-mount Ford’s iconic 351ci V8, sending the power to the rear wheels via a five-speed ZF transaxle. The factory quoted power and torque figures of 266hp and 301 ft/lbs, making the Pantera a pretty potent package. Potential buyers can consider this a turnkey classic. The seller has clocked 900 miles on its freshly rebuilt motor, stating that it runs and drives well. They also treated the vehicle to a new booster and master cylinder, a new clutch, a new Edelbrock carburetor, and a long list of cooling system components. It appears that this restoration won’t require any further mechanical work.

I admit that I almost whimpered when I examined this Pantera’s interior. It features non-original seats, and the distinctive shifter gate is missing from the console. Throw in a different wheel and generally tired trim and carpet, and returning the interior to its former glory could be an expensive process. I performed an admittedly brief online search, which revealed the potential scope of the required investment. If the buyer can locate a set of original seats, replacement covers will cost around $460 per pair. Carpet sets retail for approximately $500, while door trims typically sell for around $570 each. As I said, achieving a factory-fresh state won’t be cheap.

The De Tomaso Pantera turned heads and drew crowds from its launch, and it hasn’t lost that ability more than five decades later. These are flawed cars, but many exotics from that era shared that trait. The relative worth of this 1973 example as a project candidate depends on the location and severity of its rust issues. The interior requires work to regain its factory look, which won’t be cheap. I believe the BIN figure is optimistic, but this might be a case where someone lets their heart rule their head and finds this Pantera irresistible. Do you agree?