Vehicle Description
This 1972 DeTomaso Pantera is a classic exotic machine that
continues to be a strong-running sports car thanks to a recent
investment in an engine rebuild. So this sleek Italian-American
classic is right for someone who's not only a collector, but also
those who love the drive.
The Pantera is the intertwining of a hot-looking Italian with a
red-blooded American heart, so these always seem extra special when
presented in red. The factory correct color was given a respray
later in life, and that means a nice clearcoat luster to highlight
the crisp lines of the body. And the whole design really is a feast
for the eyes you want on a classic exotic. The sharply-pointed
front end has a sleek style with the hood dipping lower than the
fenders. The rear is a long and flat back that tapers outward like
everything is being pushed out to those big quad exhaust tips. It's
a well-presented classic, where only keen eyes will notice the
subtle upgrade of the blacked-out bumpers that go nicely with the
side air intakes. In fact, you really get to see the crisp lines of
this coupe particularly well, because this was the final year
before a federally mandated front bumper interfered with the purity
of Tom Tjaarda's design. So it's great to have an example so
complete, right down to the correct Campagnolo wheels with DeTomaso
logo center caps.
Panteras are one of the best mid-engine exotics of their era
because the interior is built for more space. Comfy bucket seats, a
wide center console, and plenty of headroom are the hallmarks that
help make this one feel much more like a grand touring machine. It
really has a practical feel, right down to the good rear-view
vision that would make a Lamborghini owner jealous. You even get
nice features like power windows and power steering, as well as
provisions for air conditioning and an upgraded stereo. But you
want this for more than just a coddler. It's a true exotic with
features that will remind you of a Ferrari, like the Veglia gauges
and bright gated shifter.
A powerful motor is what a special sports car is all about, and the
Pantara really knows how to put it on display. The engine bay is
always awesome to show off as the smooth inner walls love to
showcase the long transmission and the big V8 that's mounted in the
center. And while you're looking in there, you also remember the
secret that makes the Pantara so desirable. Because while the body
is crafted by the coachbuilder Ghia, the motor is a stout and
powerful Ford 351 cubic-inch Cleveland V8. It means you have a
Ferrari-like look and feel, but the maintenance bills are closer to
a Mustang. In fact, you really are ahead of the game with this
example, because we have a $4,600 receipt documenting a late-2019
engine rebuild. It includes a bored .030 over kit, new
pistons/rings, crankshaft bearings, connecting rods, valves, seals,
valve seats, head gaskets, oil pump, and oil pan gasket. This is
topped with a Holley double-pumper four-barrel carburetor
w/electric choke and an Edelbrock intake. It makes for a powerful
package that fires up eagerly and runs strong. Plus, the
performance exhaust gives this a proper exotic car tune. The ZF
five-speed manual means you are in full control over this power and
soundtrack. A fully-independent suspension, four-wheel power disc
brakes, and modern Hankook tires complete a great driving
package.
There were only around 6,000 Panteras sold through Lincoln dealers
during its official four-year run in the USA. There's even a Marti
Report to document how special this one really is. So if you love a
head-turning sports car that's built to be enjoyed to the fullest,
call today!
