Unfinished Project: De Tomaso Pantera

Project cars come in all shapes and sizes, but few have the presence of a De Tomaso Pantera. This example, recently listed on Facebook Marketplace in Lumberton, North Carolina, isn’t a weekend driver or a quick cosmetic refresh. Instead, it’s an unfinished project that offers the next owner the opportunity to pick up where someone else left off. With an asking price of $29,500, it appears aimed at enthusiasts who aren’t afraid of a challenge and appreciate one of the more distinctive sports cars of its era. Thanks for the tip, Chuck Foster!

According to the seller, the Pantera is currently in a disassembled state. The listing describes it as an unfinished project, with the steel body wearing tan primer while numerous components have been removed and stored separately. That means prospective buyers should expect to sort through parts as part of the restoration process.

The seller notes that the sale includes a variety of loose components, including the bumpers, glass panels, and engine bay parts. Having those pieces accompany the project could be an important consideration for anyone taking on a restoration, particularly with a specialty vehicle like a Pantera.

Mechanically, the listing states that the original transmission is included with the car, along with a period-correct engine block. The seller doesn’t provide additional details about the engine, transmission, or the overall mechanical condition, so interested buyers will likely want to ask questions and inspect the project carefully before making a decision.

The Pantera sits on factory-style wheels fitted with BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires, giving the project a classic look even in its current unfinished form. Beyond that, the seller keeps the description brief, allowing the car itself to tell much of the story.

Projects like this tend to appeal to a particular kind of enthusiast. Some enjoy the challenge of tracking down missing details and carefully reassembling a car piece by piece, while others simply appreciate the opportunity to own a Pantera that hasn’t already been restored to someone else’s tastes.

Because the listing provides only limited information, there’s plenty for prospective buyers to explore during an in-person inspection. Understanding exactly what’s included, what’s still needed, and how the project aligns with your goals will be an important part of evaluating this Pantera.

For the right enthusiast, unfinished projects can be just as exciting as completed cars. They offer the chance to make every decision along the way and watch a dormant project gradually return to the road.