1972 De Tomaso Pantera

Description 1972 De Tomaso Pantera VIN – THPNMD03907Exterior Color – RedInterior Color – Black Engine – 351 cu. in. Cleveland V8Transmission – 5-speed transaxle Current Miles – 33,384 milesGeneral Overview Recognized as one of the most unique sports cars of the period, the Pantera combined Italian design with American horsepower with a refined balance of design and performance. Designed by American Tom Tjaarda while working with Carrozzeria Ghia, the Pantera replaced the Ford powered Mangusta as their halo performance car. Built with a steel monocoque chassis and stamped steel body, the Panteras chiseled design featured a mid-mounted Ford 351 Cleveland V8 engine, ZF 5-speed transaxle, and power assisted four-wheel disc brakes. Given the great looks and amazing performance, the Pantera captured the attention of Ford who purchased the rights to market and sell newly refined production models through Lincoln-Mercury dealerships beginning in 1971 and continuing through 1975. Although the Pantera would remain in production for several years after Ford offered it in the states, early series Panteras have become the most sought-after for their unique design, early specifications, and fantastic performance. History of This Car Purchased by the current owner in 2017, this Pantera was documented as a highly original two-owner example with no damage history, all original sheet metal, and numbers matching engine. The car was documented on August 20, 1974, with 17,261 miles and some years later with 24,470 miles. Today the odometer indicates 33,384 miles which are believed to be original. The current owner purchased this Pantera in 2017 and embarked on a comprehensive restoration with sensitive upgrades including 17” wheels, a new leather interior, comprehensive paint, new rubber, new chrome features, new welting, new lenses, and a host of other important improvements resulting in a beautifully prepared and upgraded Pantera. Among the many new parts sourced and replaced, P.I Motorsports Inc, specialists in Pantera parts, supplied a new license plate light assembly, new tail light lenses and buckets, new windshield weatherstripping, new front and rear bumpers, a new front grille and mounting studs, new side view mirrors (painted body color to match), new headlight buckets, new parking lenses, new side marker lenses, new interior door panels, new interior door hardware and handles, and numerous other specialized pieces to complete the restoration. ??Mechanical work included a new clutch, flywheel machining, new flat firewall kit, new cooling tubes installed and fans wired (2020), new motor mounts, electrical repairs to alternator wiring (2023), and a new set of Pantera floor mats installed (2026). Pantera Expert Mike Drew Review In preparation for consignment, this car was reviewed by Northern California Pantera expert Mike Drew. His extensive overview of this car is included for review with highlighted comments noted here summarizing this Pantera. According to Mike and the original VIN plate mounted to this car, this pre-L Pantera was built in July 1972. Mike was familiar with this Pantera while it was under prior ownership, and he believes it to be an original 33,000 mile example. Mike first studied the chassis focusing on the two vertical steel chassis members in the rear wheelhouse, which are typically subject to rust due to collected undrained water and retained road dirt. This example was found to be in excellent condition. Mike was able to drill additional drain holes in this area to mitigate any future accumulation to continue the rust free condition of these areas. Additionally, the front valance was found to be rust free as were other areas of the car. For the suspension and brakes, Mike noted that both the front and rear sway bars are the desirable 7/8” diameter. The sway bars have been secured to the A-arms using Sphereballs which is a favorable upgrade in addition to Aldan coilover shocks and Wilwood brakes, also offering a huge improvement in the braking and handling but requiring a bit more wheel room, hence the larger diameter wheels. Also of note, a step-bore master cylinder and aftermarket Precision Performance brake booster are installed. Further upgrades include modern braided stainless Teflon brakes hoses, clutch slave cylinder hose also upgraded to Teflon, and an IPSCO Pantera Parts mechanical parking brake. Having personally rebuilt the steering rack in this car, Mike installed later style spacers which help to minimize bump-steer. Other items include a laydown Fluidyne radiator with two large sucker fans, surprisingly effective power windows, functional turn indicators, original and correct Veglia gauges, and the original engine fitted with an Edelbrock Performer 4V intake manifold and Holley double-pumper carburetor with headers of unequal length, stock style mufflers, and AC system in place. A Hall Pantera quick fuel filler is also installed. ??Mike was able to drive this car as well and reports that the car started immediately and idled well. The driving experience was quite good including positive remarks about the brakes and handling, and high marks for the cooling system which performed among the best he has seen including sitting at idle while maintaining a steady and safe operational temperature. Shifting was smooth, though the heavy clutch pedal could use some improvement, while the suspension and ride manners were especially impressive. Having been purchased in near 100% original condition when first restored, the quality and finishes now presented with sensitive mechanical upgrades make this a fantastic Pantera for a performance enthusiast to drive and show with pride. Condition and Presentation Today this Pantera displays a beautiful exterior finish throughout. The vivid red paint is glossy and smooth throughout with excellent detailing in the door jambs and correct satin black rocker panel trim. The body is in excellent condition, free from significant visual flaws