Vehicle Description
1973 DeTomaso Pantera L
• VIN THPNNP05468
• One (1) Owner
• California Car
One (1) owner, Southern California car, #5468 was sold by
Lincoln-Mercury Johnson & Son in Costa Mesa, California on November
23, 1973, with only 50 miles for $11,425.05. Over the first four
years, the Pantera was serviced by Lincoln-Mercury dealerships
across Southern California. By 1978, a Pantera Specialists in Santa
Ana, California became the only service shop the owner would use.
The owner drove the Pantera as a daily driver during the first 10
years, accruing 97,000 miles, before driving it sparingly over the
last 38 years as a weekend classic. This Pantera was meticulously
maintained and never missed the opportunity for routine
maintenance.
Originally finished in White (V204) with a Black leather interior
with excellent gaps and panel fit. The exterior trim is in great
condition with its original single slot Campagnolo wheels. The
upholstery is in very good condition with the original Veglia
Borletti instrumentation.
Mechanically powered by the 351 Cleveland V8 engine (266hp) that
performs flawlessly paired to its gated 5-speed ZF manual
transmission. A unique opportunity to acquire an extremely
well-documented, one (1) owner Pantera with 48 years of service
history that has been well-taken care of throughout its life.
History
During the four-year run of the De Tomaso Pantera, from 1971-1974,
only 5,629 examples were sold and distributed by Lincoln-Mercury
and more than 80% are still on the road today. The De Tomaso
Pantera was the first attempt at blending Italian body-styling with
American muscle. Designed by the Italian design firm Ghia by an
American-born designer, Tom Tjaarda. The Ford 351 Cleveland V8
engine in the De Tomaso was chosen from earlier American muscle
cars and selected for its higher-revving capability. This gave the
Pantera the ability to compete with the likes of Ferrari and
Lamborghini and at a retail price of $10,000, it made the Pantera
the most affordable Italian supercar.
