The early DeTomaso Pantera models remain among the most desirable for collectors, especially the small-bumper 1971 examples like this one. Listed here on eBay, this first-year Pantera is finished in a deep burgundy over a black interior and shows just 40,000 miles on the odometer. It’s equipped with the iconic 351 Cleveland V8 mated to a gated 5-speed ZF manual transmission and is currently located with a dealer in the United States. Not currently running, it’s been in storage for several years and is now being offered as a solid recommissioning candidate.
Early Panteras are especially prized for their cleaner styling, free from the bulky impact bumpers that appeared in later years. This example still wears its original small bumpers and benefits from being a U.S.-market car, originally sold through select Lincoln-Mercury dealerships between 1971 and 1974.
The mid-mounted Ford 351 Cleveland was a potent motor in its time, delivering around 330 horsepower, and remains one of the more affordable and serviceable powerplants in the exotic car world. This car still has its original drivetrain, according to the listing, and the gated ZF five-speed is one of the Pantera’s most desirable features.
The cabin looks complete and shows expected wear for a car that’s been in storage, but nothing appears hacked or heavily modified. The black interior pairs nicely with the exterior burgundy paint, offering a clean and understated contrast to the Pantera’s sharp Italian lines.
This isn’t a showpiece yet, but the fundamentals are here. The seller describes it as needing basic servicing and minor cosmetic attention—ideal for someone who wants to drive and enjoy a vintage exotic without committing to a full-blown restoration. With values rising steadily on early Panteras, especially the ’71 models, this one could be a smart investment for the right buyer.
Would you bring this 1971 Pantera back to its former glory, or would you leave its aged patina and focus on making it a reliable weekend rocket?
Amazing cars. The panther 🐆
Color on this one almost looks like a dark clay. Very nice. Be a dream come true to click up and down thru that gated ZF 5sp transaxle. 🏁
These are cool cars. I don’t remember seeing one in this color. I saw one at a show a few years ago; the owner said he regularly drove it on weekend trips, which meant it wasn’t pristine but he sure must have had fun with it.
The ad struck me as odd. From a dealer, but the verbiage is vague. Claimed to be in storage for years and not running; so when were those on-the-street pics taken? It is “ready for basic servicing and minor cosmetics,” whatever that exactly means. Maybe there are problems lurking, which explains the well-south-of-six-figures price.
One of my all-time favorite cars, the lines and American muscle combo, can’t be beat. Agree with Bob, seems sketchy. A car sold by a dealer should be running, and I have read less than stellar reviews about this particular dealer. Even for a Pantera, $70k is long money for a questionable, non-running vehicle that needs only “servicing”. Still a stunning car.
Look at the picture of the valve covers. That looks like some sort of oddball 4 valve conversion, which I found referenced, but no other information under the name Arro that was a 302/351 4 valve conversion. This is the sort of thing a Pantera owner might gravitate to, and would help explain why a dealership wouldn’t get an engine as simple as a 351C running on a $70,000 car.
Steve R
The valve covers are an aftermarket addition, just a cover. They were available for Chevrolets as well. Popular with the late 80’s early 90’s street rod crowd. Have not aged well over the years imo.
Steve, good eye. I looked right past that.
Dan. Never seen those. And cannot find any reference online. Do you remember who made them?
This car in running great looking great can fetch 135k easy. This is well worth 70k, make an offer.
Yes the first year with the small bumpers, but they came chrome not painted black. The seller is Gullwing Motor Cars!!!
Yuk.
Not currently running,
New York car scary, Appears to be reasonable even scarier. Who would you even get to look at it for a PPI
Located in: Astoria, New York. Offered by Gulwing Motors
Asking $69,500
tempted to “go the other way” when seeing GWM, is like beverly hills car club other coast. But…
fantastic cars, the racer had the 429 or 8, all ways get’em mixed up. Tops
in my mine even w/o any rear vision…
Thanks Elisabeth !
This is almost too nice, considering who is selling it.
I agree. But it doesn’t run.
This is still for sale.
I noticed that they haven’t changed that “Special Price” of $69,500.
This is the type of outfit that probably never lowers their advertised prices, but probably have room if you get into a haggle session with them.