For Sale: 1972 De Tomaso Pantera in Concord, North Carolina

STK 3455 1972 De Tomaso Pantera

In the early '70s American muscle cars ruled the street, but it was also a good time for something new - the DeTomaso Ford/Pantera. Launched in 1971, in partnership with Ford, the DeTomaso Pantera was a marriage of European styling and American horsepower. The Italian-American Ford/Pantera featured a beautiful body designed by Ghia and a performance chassis engineered by Gian Paolo Dallara. Ford considered De Tomaso to be an independent subsidiary and the partnership brought DeTomaso a dealer network in the U.S. (Lincoln/Mercury), mass production advice and a great engine - the 351ci Cleveland. Built in Europe, the first Ford/Panteras were imported into the U.S. in 1971 and over the next four years Ford sold around 5,500 Panteras into the U.S. market.

The owner of this '72 Pantera L (Lusso) believes it to be a 3-owner North Carolina car, stored for decades by the 2nd owner here in Concord. The mileage shown (36,500) is also said to be actual. The Pantera has been the beneficiary of a careful restoration over the course of the last three years. This car's design is considered to be a mid-engine GT and is based on a unibody framework with metal body components. The unibody frame structure of this Pantera was rock solid. The fit/finish of the exterior components was suspect on early models due to manufacturing inconsistences. Not true on this car - the restoration resolved any issues that may have previously existed. The body was carefully prepped and professionally resprayed original Pantera Yellow. This Pantera doesn't need accents to look amazing, but it does have handsome factory Campagnolo magnesium wheels that mount 15" BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. The interior has been refreshed back to original condition and it is roomier than you might think. Seats have been reupholstered in black leather w/vinyl inserts, but the dash and door panels are original and in very good condition. Creature comforts include cold A/C w/R134 and a Panasonic AM/FM/Cassette sound system. There is an original Veglia Boretti tachometer and a vertical stack of Veglia Boretti gauges that provide oil pressure, water temp, fuel and amperes.

The drivetrain of the Pantera is all-original. The 351 Cleveland was totally rebuilt with upgrades that include an aluminum intake, Holley carburetor and hi-torque starter.

DRIVETRAIN / CHASSIS SPECIFICATIONS

Engine : Original 351ci Ford Cleveland OHV V8
Block/Heads : Original cast iron: 351/4V closed wedge chamber (Boss)
Carburation : Holley 750cfm Double pumper
Camshaft: Comp Cam performance grind (specs avail)
Exhaust : Original system: ceramic coated w/short-branch tube headers
Lubrication : Stock wet sump
Cooling : Upgraded HD radiator and new stainless cooling tubes
Horsepower : Factory rated @ 310hp; Estimated @ 380-400hp as built
Transmission : Original 5-speed ZF transaxle, totally rebuilt
Clutch : Hydraulic w/new master/slave cylinders
Differential ratio: 3.55:1 w/positraction
Fuel Tank : Steel
Brakes : 4-Wheel disc: Power-assisted disc w/dual master
Steering : Rack and pinion
Suspension : Independent front/rear
Front : Coil overs w/anti-roll bar
Rear : Coil-overs w/anti-roll bar

Additional parts are included with the car and the current owner is local and available to answer any questions that a potential Buyer may have. This DeTomaso Ford/Pantera L is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Blue Oval history. ALL VEHICLES SOLD "AS IS".