A 1977 DeTomaso Pantera GTS with an interesting Swiss history and a seriously built engine crosses the block at Mecum’s Dallas/ Fort Worth auction on Saturday, October 24th. While an exact price is not fixed, Pantera GTS models of this caliber typically command premium bids that can reach six-figure territory. This left-hand drive exotic blends brute American muscle with razor-sharp Italian design. It presents a great sweet spot for collectors who want the classic supercar look but without the maintenance headache of Italian collectors from the same era. The odometer reads 46,000 miles, and the final price will be determined when it sells with no reserve at the upcoming auction. You can find it here on Mecum Auctions. Thanks go to Araknid78 for this tip.
What makes this Pantera particularly interesting is its timeline. Ford’s involvement with the De Tomaso ended after 1975, so 1977 models were not officially channeled through Lincoln Mercury dealers in the States. This one arrived via private import after originally spending time in Switzerland. Production numbers for the final GTS years were also tiny, considering only 74 of these Maggiora-bodied variants were assembled across 1977 and 1978, making this example an exceptionally rare prize. The Campagnolo-style alloys and rear spoiler are also period-correct GTS cues. This car avoids the exaggerated flares of the GT5 while keeping the original Tom Tjaarda design.
The headline is under the rear decklid, where things have been significantly modified. ENDYN Energy Dynamics handled the assembly, stroking out the standard bore 351 cubic-inch Cleveland V-8 block to 403 cubic inches and topping it off with high-flowing Trick Flow cylinder heads. It is rated at 500 horsepower, and the seller claims only 500 miles have been accumulated since the build was done. A billet rear strut tower brace was added for chassis rigidity, and a five-speed manual ZF gearbox maintains the tradition of the only gearbox offered in the GTS. Purists will also appreciate the fact that the original V-8 is included in the sale, providing them the option of returning the car to factory specifications without having to look for the correct block.
Inside, the seating has been retrimmed in black cloth and leather while an updated radio replaces the original unit. The gauges are also entirely written in Italian, which adds an undeniable level of romantic exoticism. A classic 3-spoke steering wheel frames the dashboard, offering a tactile connection to the front wheels. The aesthetics also read as clean in the photos, and the paint holds a deep shine. Even the interior plastics show none of the UV damage that often plagues cars of this vintage. For a buyer seeking a turnkey collector car, this Pantera provides an unmatched blend of speed, reliability, and vintage. For six-figure money, would you rather take home this incredibly rare Pantera GTS, or roll the dice on a high-maintenance Ferrari or Lamborghini from the same era?
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