To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Arizona
event, 17 - 18 January 2019.
Estimate:
$100,000 - $125,000
- Rare early "push-button" Pantera
- Features many performance and cosmetic upgrades
- Striking Grabber Blue paint scheme
- Factory air-conditioning
- Iconic Ford-powered 1970s supercar
Please note that this lot is titled as a 1972.
Sold through select Lincoln-Mercury dealers from 1971 to 1974, the
De Tomaso Pantera, which succeeded the Mangusta, offered a Ford
351-cu. in. "Cleveland" V-8 rated at 330 hp and shifted through a
gated five-speed ZF manual transmission. This set up provided
blistering performance and superior handling abilities; Car &
Driver magazine recorded a 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed
in excess of 150 miles per hour. The V-8's torque was tempered care
of power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, while rack-and-pinion
steering was standard.
This early model 1971 Pantera is among the very first ones imported
to the U.S. by Ford. The first 75 cars imported were made by hand
at Carrozzeria Vignale in Italy and were originally destined for
the European market, however they were exported Stateside after an
agreement was finalized with Ford. These early import cars are
known as "push-button" Panteras, distinguished by their round door
buttons and a hand grip molded into the body just behind the door,
rather than the pull-type door handles on later cars, making this
example rarer than most.
This Pantera presents beautifully, and the car's original factory
color Grabber Blue paintwork is striking. The largely original
interior is in exceptionally nice condition, reflecting the care
this Pantera has received over the years. Upgrades include 17-in.
wheels, Wilwood brakes, adjustable shocks, Anza exhaust, and a
highly detailed engine bay with many polished engine components and
accessories. This Arizona rust-free De Tomaso is also equipped with
factory air-conditioning.
With its aggressive looks, host of quality upgrades, and superb
overall condition, this rare early model Pantera is an exciting car
to look at and even more exciting to drive.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.