1974 DeTomaso Pantera - "Final 50" Survivor - One-Owner & 15k
Original Miles - Rare Blue Barn Find
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312-420-3696
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This 1974 DeTomaso Pantera, VIN THPNPT07275, is the definition of a
"holy grail" find. Emerging from a garage after sitting for over 40
years, this is a true one-owner, 15,000 original mile survivor.
Acquired directly through the estate of the original owner, this
July 1974 build is part of the legendary "Final 50"-the very last
batch of Panteras officially imported to the U.S. before the Ford
partnership ended. Finished in its original Blue over a Black
interior, this car is a documented "Tier 1" survivor featuring its
original, numbers-matching engine.
The Marti Report & "Final 50" Pedigree (VIN 07275)
This car is recognized as the absolute "last of the breed," built
during the final production window in the summer of 1974. The
Deluxe Marti Report confirms its unique place in history:
Production Rarity: This car is one of only 69 produced in this
color.
Manufacturing Detail: It was built in July 1974, exactly as the
Ford/Lincoln-Mercury partnership was concluding.
Numbers-Matching Originality: The report verifies the
factory-installed 351-4V Cleveland V-8 engine.
The "Lusso" (L) Trim: Confirmed factory equipment includes the
updated safety bumpers and the refined single-pod dashboard.
Documentation & Ironclad Provenance
The Deluxe Marti Report provides a perfect "paper trail" that ties
the car directly to its original Ford Ownercard through several
matching data points:
Dealer Match: The Marti Report lists Dealer Sales Code 41A574,
which corresponds to Gerald Motors Inc. (Gerald Lincoln-Mercury) in
Skokie, IL. This matches the Sales Code and Dealer info on the
original metal-stamped Ownercard perfectly.
Ownership Link: The Ownercard identifies the original purchasers as
William E. Smith & Richard E. Smith (Rich Smith), with an
in-service date of February 27, 1975. The Marti Report verifies the
retail sale date as February 28, 1975.
Original Keys: The car even retains its original Giobert keys,
further cementing its status as a complete survivor.
Paint Verification: Our Elcometer paint gauge testing confirms this
is a 100% original-paint car.
Exterior
The body is exceptionally straight and is free from any
structurally inhibiting rust. While there are typical dings
consistent with 40 years of storage, the metal remains solid
throughout. We note some paint blistering on the passenger fender,
but the chassis shows no signs of accidents or prior repairs. The
car retains its original Campagnolo Magnesium Sport wheels and
rare, original Goodyear Arriva tires. All factory glass is present
and in perfect condition.
Interior
The interior is a testament to the low mileage; when discovered,
the original seats were still covered in plastic. The refined
single-pod dash is perfect, and all factory carpets are very nice.
The tachometer and speedometer function properly. We note some
age-related deterioration of the steering wheel plastics; oxidation
is present specifically on the gauge bezels and the shift gate, but
the cabin remains incredibly complete.
Underhood & Mechanical
This Pantera retains its numbers-matching 351ci Cleveland V8
(Stamped to Match the Car 06406) and ZF 5-speed manual gearbox
(Serial Number B 9553 B).
Engine: Features the original Motorcraft Autolite 400D carburetor
(Tag D40E BA A 3G 5). After a careful top-down lubrication, the
engine moved freely and now starts and idles nicely with no
smoke.
Transmission: The ZF gearbox was drained and refilled; it shifts
through the gears perfectly.
Systems: The cooling system remains fully sealed and full of
coolant. The AC compressor kicks on, and the fans appear to
work.
Brakes: All components are original and will require a complete
overhaul before any road use.
Driving
Though it is a project requiring full mechanical sorting, the car
does move under its own power. It tracks straight even on its
40-year-old original tires, and the numbers-matching engine makes
that signature Ford-powered Italian growl.
Conclusion
With the verification provided by the Deluxe Marti Report and the
original Ford Ownercard, this "Final 50" survivor is officially
established as a premier collector Pantera. Finding a one-owner,
15k-mile example with original Blue paint and a numbers-matching
engine is an opportunity that simply does not happen twice. It
comes complete with its original fiberglass engine bay tub. Please
note: This is a significant project that has sat for four decades;
we encourage you to watch our video and view all photos on our site
to appreciate the staggering originality of this DeTomaso.
Contact Us By Call or Text Anytime!! Chicago Car Club -
312-420-3696
PLEASE BE SURE TO WATCH OUR DETAILED YOUTUBE VIDEO!
Visit our website for even more high-resolution photos!
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