1974 Pantera GTS
Introduction
The 1974 DeTomaso Pantera GTS is a remarkable Italian exotic, its
name translating to "Panther" in Italian. This striking automobile
remains as aggressive and graceful as ever, embodying rare style,
distinctive sound, and exhilarating performance.
History and Collaboration
The Pantera was born from a partnership between Ford Motor Company
and Alejandro DeTomaso, an enthusiastic and sometimes unpredictable
sports car designer and former racer. DeTomaso, originally from
Argentina, moved to Italy with his wealthy American wife, Isabelle
Haskell, who financially supported his automotive ambitions. He
successfully convinced Ford executive Lee Iacocca to introduce the
Pantera to the American market, while DeTomaso oversaw
international distribution. With the end of the Ford-powered Cobra,
Ford sought a new performance car to uphold its high-powered
reputation in the early 1970s. The Pantera also energized Ford's
Lincoln-Mercury division and fulfilled Henry Ford II's wish for an
Italian sports car after Ford's unsuccessful attempt to acquire
Ferrari in 1963.
The 1974 GTS Model
In 1974, the Pantera L was joined by the GTS model. Both models
shared the same mechanical basis-a 351 Cleveland engine with a Ford
4V Autolite carburetor. However, the GTS featured several cosmetic
enhancements. Our specific GTS presented includes:
• 351 Cleveland #0522 7 (Detomaso Block-Not original) bored .30
over, 4-bolt mains
• Closed chamber heads
• Stainless steel valves
• Roller rockers
• Comp Magnum cam 292/560
• Blue Thunder high-rise intake
• Holley 750 dual line double pump carburetor
• Jacobs Pro Street Ultra ignition system with rev limiter and
anti-theft system
• Jacobs Pro-Fit plug wires
• Mallory magnetic distributor
• Twin electric fuel pump systems
• ZF 5-speed transmission
• 4.22 drive gear
• 5-row radiator with Evans Cooling System and silicone hose
set
• Blacked-out chrome
• Pop-riveted fiberglass fender flares
• "GTS" script replacing the "Pantera" script on the rear
• Widened flat black rocker panel stripe with "Pantera GTS"
lettering
• Gloss black metallic front hood and rear compartment deck
• Air conditioning
• Power windows
• Power brakes
• Dash-mounted clock
• Colorado Custom wheels
Design and Features
Thanks to significant support from Ford, final assembly of the
Pantera took place at the DeTomaso factory in Modena, Italy. This
ensured superior engineering, including air conditioning-a rare
feature among Italian exotics. The Pantera's sleek, low-slung body
was created by Ghia, a renowned Italian design house, and its
race-inspired mid-engine configuration delivered performance
rivaling much more expensive Italian sports cars. Key features
included wedge-shaped lines, independent suspension, disc brakes,
Colorado custom wheels, and a five-speed ZF manual
transmission.
Performance
The 351-cubic-inch V-8 engine produced 310 horsepower, enabling the
3,100-pound Pantera to reach 70 mph in second gear and a top speed
approaching 150 mph. While it did not have Ferrari's complex
overhead-camshaft V-12, the Ford pushrod V-8 was proven, having
powered the Shelby Cobra to a manufacturer's championship in 1965,
and was far easier and cheaper to maintain.
Market Introduction and Reception
The Pantera made its debut at the 1970 New York Auto Show, sold
through select Lincoln-Mercury dealerships and covered by Ford's
standard warranty. Its price was about half that of other Italian
exotics. In the early 1970s, the Pantera was considered
sensational. Its main competitor, the Chevy Corvette, featured bold
styling but retained a traditional front-engine layout reminiscent
of the original 1953 model.
Today, the Pantera continues to impress with its visual impact and
speed remains an appealing bargain for automotive enthusiasts.
Contact Information
We welcome all inspections!
Do not miss your chance to own this Italian exotic with the heart
of American muscle!
For more details or to schedule an appointment, please contact
us:
Email:
[email protected]
Phone: (727) 580-9919 or (727) 688-1148
Website:
