Pantera in Italian stands for “panther” and that’s the name that De Tomaso gave its new mid-engine sports car in 1971. The cars had power supplied by Ford and they were sold by Lincoln-Mercury dealers in the U.S. through 1975. Production would continue until 1992 after 7,262 units were assembled. During the L-M years, about ¾ of Pantera production was sold to buyers in the U.S. The seller’s nice-looking 1972 edition is an unfinished project that needs a new owner to take it over the finish line.
Most Pantera were built with a 351 cubic inch V8, though a few came with the 302. A 5-speed manual transmission helped put the “sports” into sports car. The seller has owned and has been restoring this ’72 Pantera for 15 years. But advancing age (77 years old) and the passage of time have led the seller to lose interest after investing 100s of man-hours and a bucket full of money into this project.
Some of the work done included a new paint job long ago, but it may not have been done well as the finish is cracking in several places and will need to all be redone. The engine has been rebuilt with zero hours on it, but a rocker cover gasket has developed a leak that the seller’s video reveals. Other new stuff includes the brakes, clutch, carburetor, radiator, exhaust, and the windshield. But you’ll have to work on the transmission linkage as it won’t go into gear, and the windshield wipers are in-op.
This cool car has 77,000 miles and is available here on eBay. From Boca Raton, Florida, the latest bid is $43,099.99 with an unmet reserve. Who’s been on the hunt for one of these rare cars? After all, when was the last time you saw one on the road?
IF I owned a Pantera. I would want it to be equipped with the 351.
Nearly 8k Panteras were produced, and only in 1990 the 302 was used on 41 units.
The 351 Cleveland 4-V was a formidable piece, it’s really a fun car to ride in.
These have a transaxle, and this one looks highly detailed as does the engine.
IF the $$$$ stays below 75k I’d be surprised, and feel it’s well bought.
Most decent ones are now over $100k, if we only knew.
2 things from the mid’70s that stand out, from the thousands, were Farrah Fawcett posters and pictures of Panteras. Both unattainable, but sure dressed up a bedroom.The Pantera was our only connection to Italian exotics, and could be seen right next to the Bobcat. Italian exotics existed, but bought through “connections” in Chicago. The Pantera had the blue oval motor, not some over carbed V12 monstrosity. Wasn’t cheap. I read, a ’72 Pantera cost about $9grand new. While a lot more than a $5500 Corvette, a lot less than a Ferrari, $14,500. I read, 5262 Panteras were sold in the US ’71-’74, so only a select group bought them.
I’m sorry, I just can’t resist, what’s it going to be, this, or a rusty 1st gen Bronco,,ha,ha, ha,,,,fading into tears,,,
Pontiac, believe it or not, didn’t sell many T/A’s either from 1969-72.
1969 697
1970 3196
1971 2116
1972 1286
& not many Cyclone Spoilers, Hurst Scramblers, Rebel Machines, SC360s, etc. were sold either.
…maybe it’s just how it looks in the photo – but the way that it appears rattle can silver paint has just been sprayed over everything down by the transaxle, and UJs ? that isn’t usually an encouraging sign in terms of the quality of the restoration work ?
A well-sorted Pantera is a fantasy to drive. They suffer from their years of being cheap, with repair work appropriate for that description. And there are a lot of original sins to be corrected. 25K for paint is a minimum – since crazing says it all has to go. I suspect the new owner will be underwater all too soon given what this car will likely go for.
But, get one right and they are a dream.
nice
I always felt the Pantera should’ve offered more power maybe a big block 428 CJ or 429. I believe any handling problems from the extra weight could’ve been solved. I mean the car just looks like it should have more power. I’ve always felt this way about this car.
Greg G.: Didn’t need it. I had my Cleveland built by THE circle-track Chevy engine builder in Orlando. It revved like a DOHC Japanese 4. Instantaneous throttle response, and pulled like a freight train. Accelerating from 120 in 5th (no downshift) was hilarious. 4th & 5th are both overdrives in the ZF trans. A Pantera can be a bottomless money pit, but when the mechanicals are right, their muscle can be intoxicating. I had mine 24 yrs.
Looks alot like a AMX/3 which only produced 6…………..it came out shortly before the Pantera.
If AMC held on long enough to bring into production the AMX/3 that car would’ve been the first American collaboration with an Italian car maker. It would’ve been a better looking and preforming car in my opinion but I’m a little biased when it comes to AMC’s.
Sold on Sun, Jul 28
US $55,888.88
50 bids