For Sale: 1972 De Tomaso Pantera in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Born from a unique partnership between Italian styling and American muscle, the De Tomaso Pantera remains one of the most compelling sports cars of the 1970s. Penned by Tom Tjaarda at Ghia and powered by Ford's legendary 351 Cleveland V8, the Pantera combined exotic mid-engine handling with the reliability and serviceability of American V8 power. Sold through Lincoln-Mercury dealerships in the United States, the Pantera offered Ferrari-rivaling performance at a fraction of the cost and has since become one of the most celebrated Italian exotics of its era.

Offered here is a beautifully restored 1972 De Tomaso Pantera, chassis THPNLS02017, showing just 74,800 miles and accompanied by an impressive history file documenting its extensive restoration and long-term ownership. This exceptional example has had only three owners from new, with the second owner commissioning and completing a comprehensive restoration that transformed the car into the striking machine it is today.

Finished in Black over a matching Black interior, this Pantera presents with an aggressive and timeless appearance further enhanced by an Italian tricolor racing stripe extending over the center of the body. The paintwork exhibits excellent depth and finish quality, while the restoration addressed both cosmetic and mechanical aspects of the vehicle, creating a highly sorted example that remains true to the spirit of the original design.

Power comes from its original 351 cubic inch Ford Cleveland V8, which was completely rebuilt and refinished during the restoration. Performance-oriented components were incorporated throughout the rebuild, resulting in enhanced drivability and increased performance while maintaining the unmistakable character of Ford's legendary small-block. The engine bay presents beautifully, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail applied throughout the restoration process. Complementing the rebuilt powerplant is a performance aftermarket exhaust system that delivers the unmistakable sound befitting a mid-engine American-powered exotic.

Accompanying the vehicle is an extraordinary collection of documentation, including extensive service records, restoration progress documentation, dyno sheets, installation and operating instructions for aftermarket components, and a wealth of Pantera-specific literature. Also included are original period memorabilia items such as factory shop manuals, published magazine articles, vintage photographs, and other collectibles that further enhance the ownership experience.

Additional equipment includes racing harnesses and a rear deck lid lift support upgrade, providing improved usability while preserving the car's purposeful sporting character. Also included is the original exhaust along with many other original parts.

Whether displayed as part of a significant collection, enjoyed on weekend drives, or showcased at marque gatherings and concours events, this 1972 De Tomaso Pantera stands as an outstanding example of the model and a testament to one of the most successful international automotive collaborations ever conceived.