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?
Very fast cars, drivers cars, they sound great and look great. As you mention Clarkey steep BIN price alright. Even for a DeTomaso connoisseur.
I’ve always wanted a Pantera. Why? I’m not sure. I guess it’s because I’m a 351 Cleveland freak. I have two complete engines at my house right now. One is a ‘show’ engine set up in my basement. 1972 4-bolt main CJ, I just sit in my chair and stare at it. I’ve thought I would build a rat rod to put it in. I should sell the block someday. The more I read about this 73, the more issues it has. Rust in these is a problem. It might be worth $35-40k. Good luck with it.
Everyone will know what kinda car this is, as it drives past. I think the owner should’ve put an exclamation mark at the end
PANTERA!
I love these cars, especially the GT5-S variant. Awesome stuff.
I really hate to imagine how much work this car will need to become a reliable driver. Had mine for 15 years and love it, but this one is pretty darned rough. He might pull 83K, but someone will quickly be underwater.
Again,like the roadster above, was loving it until I saw the price. GLWTS.
Love the car. Have a ’73 in Orange. If rusty, it might be worth $50K. A man can fix everything on these cars and modified units bring just as much as originals!
I drove a new one. Took it to lunch actually. Fun to drive and play with. But rides like a C1 Corvette. Which I didn’t expect for a car with rear independent suspension. I would love to play with one on a track day. But wouldn’t want to drive it there.
When new, I believe they cost $11,000 in 1971. I checked an inflation dollar converter and $11,000 in 1971 converted to $88,756 in 2026 dollars. I was 16 when my cousin bought one new. He happened to work at a Lincoln-Mercury dealer and couldn’t resist. He let me drive it a little. I sure was nervous behind the wheel! The steering was effortless and quick. I remember that the car had issues that first year. I think overheating was one them.
Owning a Pantera is on my wish list but at this stage in life it would have to be turnkey with no issues. At a lower realistic price I would consider and contract out th interior and body issues but this is $30+k above my wish.
Mileage 105873. Yes that interior is mighty sad. I heard some guys took the fingers out of the gated shifter cause it made lots of noise shifting it, clank, clank.
Rode in one once, pretty scary.
I will admit that even though I have owned a Corvette in some form or another for most of my adult life, I still kick myself for not buying a used ’72 with 6200 miles on it in ’81. At the time, I was so disgusted with what the Corvette had become performance wise that I was looking to trade in my ’75 for something that had a little more “fun factor”. I went to a so called “exotic car” dealership in Seattle and they had one of these in dark green with a saddle interior. It was beyond cool but there were two problems with it. Our third child just turned one, and it was parked next to a forest green ’77 XJ12L Jaguar, also with a saddle interior, for the same money. While I loved that Jag for the 4 years we had it, I will forever regret not buying that Pantera.
Unfortunately, now that I am 76 and partially disabled, I’m afraid that a Pantera is out of the question. While I can still get in and out of my C5, there is no way I could possibly enter or exit one of these. As far as this example goes, were I still serious about owning one, this would not be the one. These things are prone to rust and they can rust in places that are not readily accessible.
Cool Pantera. As far as exotics go this is about the best, generally most affordable option in my opinion. Excellent motor and chassis layout with a rebuilt, true blue Ford under the hood & a 3rd pedal under your foot. Would love to find it in my driveway! Though I’m not a fan of red. That bin pricing is stratospheric in my world, especially with over 100k on the chassis.
The fact that it is a driver ‘as is’ is alluring but I’m afraid I’ll have to keep this exotic floating in my dreams.
Good luck to the seller.
Nice
Pantera is Italian for rust…
Ended at $53099.
Reserve Not Met.
17 bids.
Relisted here
https://www.ebay.com/itm/277886644904?itmmeta=01KPP0F2ZM2WTQ4R6ZQ0FCHFBD&hash=item40b355b2a8:g:A2kAAeSwO~1p25sy
Asking $67,000. OBO