Vehicle Description
Asking a car guy about their dream car is always a risky
proposition. Some won't hesitate to gravitate toward one particular
model, but most will respond with a barrage of questions. What era?
What country of origin? What price range? In reality, choosing
favorites is a very complex topic. That said, one thing is for
sure: start asking about vintage super cars and you'll eventually
end up talking about De Tomaso. When it comes to blending heritage,
technology and exclusivity, few automakers have done it better. And
this 1972 Pantera is an uncompromisingly elite offering that's so
outrageous it'll make your head spin!
LOW, LUSTWORTHY & LOUD
Formed way back in 1959, De Tomaso has been a driving force in
specialty sports cars and luxury cars for decades. Best known for
their tie-ups with both Ford and Maserati, the firm began as an
engineering house and chassis constructor for well-known Formula
One race teams. Eventually the idea of a no compromises road car
was born, and models like this incredible Pantera Lusso or, Panther
Luxury in English, became the company's primary focus.
The Lusso, introduced in America as a 1972� model, addressed many
shortcomings of the original Pantera. Since Ford had officially
bought a stake in the company and implemented precision stamping
techniques, Lusso build quality was much improved over previous
Panteras that had drifted ashore. Ultimately, a short four years of
America-bound Pantera production resulted in sales of roughly 5,500
cars. And this Lusso, wearing decidedly old school paint until its
professional respray in late 2016, is a fine example of their
enduring legacy. At the front of the car, a US-spec, one-piece
bumper centers a bright De Tomaso emblem above a built-in airfoil
that reduces lift at high speeds. Behind that bumper, a dramatic
hood crawls past pop-up headlights to fresh glass that's cased in
well-maintained stainless. At the sides of that glass, polished
mirrors reflect a whittled profile that's branded with crisp marker
lamps, classy Ghia emblems and flush door handles. And at the back
of that profile, intricate taillights and a second one-piece bumper
float between and extended fuel filler, a familiar "POWER BY FORD"
emblem and methodical "deTomaso Pantera" lettering.
CLEVELAND ROCKS PANTERA
In 1972, Ford and De Tomaso upped the ante for Pantera performance
by equipping the car with 351 cubic inches of Cleveland V8 that
combined an aggressive Cobra Jet cam with factory headers and a hot
dual-point distributor. And this Pantera's mill, still decked in
familiar Ford Blue skin, has been recently tuned, fitted with an
electric choke and upgraded with electric cooling fans. 266
factory-spec horses get funneled through five forward gears thanks
to a tough ZF transaxle. Turns come courtesy of recently replaced
rack-and-pinion steering. Stops are provided by power-assisted
discs. Exhaust rumbles through short pipes and polished stainless
tips. Everything sits pretty on original Campagnolo wheels and
original Goodyear Arriva tires. And power meets the pavement
through polished Campagnolo replicas and staggered Michelin Pilot
Sports.
VINTAGE OLD WORLD
Inside this awesome classic, class is the name of the game as a
tasteful cockpit kicks off with thick bucket seats which wrap
original vinyl covers around fresh foam. In front of those thrones,
a reupholstered dash plots chrome-trimmed telemetry amid upgraded
audio and controls for factory heat. That dash flows in to an
enhanced console that's centered on a Gated Shifter. Opposite that
island, vintage, uncut door panels retain an excellent factory
sheen. And the driver spins a factory steering wheel around a
factory Horn Stalk.
During the muscle car era, De Tomaso was a choice purveyor of
intense sports cars. And this excellent Pantera Lusso presents the
perfect opportunity to experience the brand at its very best. While
rarity doesn't always ensure collectability, it's safe to say that
any road-going Pantera is exactly the kind of classic that will
anchor future collections. And best of all, this Lusso's new owner
will have a blast getting there!
HIGHLIGHTS
Well-maintained De Tomaso Pantera Lusso that's been carefully
restored as needed
23,214 Miles - Current NJ Title states actual mileage
351 cubic inch Ford Cleveland V8 with upgraded carburetion and
upgraded cooling
ZF 5-speed manual transaxle with a Gated Shifter
Rack-and-pinion steering
4-wheel power disc brakes
Factory vinyl interior with thoughtful upgrades
Original 15-inch Campagnolo wheels with original H60V15 Goodyear
Arriva tires
Sale includes 17-inch Campagnolo replicas with speed-rated Michelin
tires
Restoration receipts
All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point
inspection
We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world
