A 1972 DeTomaso Pantera is already a fast car. The red beauty in the photos here is a one-owner car in excellent shape. It is said to be one of the first U.S. market cars to be converted to GT5 styling in the 1980s. A few years after that, it went to Pantera Specialists in California for a lot more power.
The 1972 DeTomaso Pantera was fitted there with a pair of Rajay turbos and a B&M supercharger. The factory 351 cubic-inch Cleveland V8 was upgraded at the time to handle all the boost. The brakes were upgraded along with the suspension. The ZF 5-speed transmission was also upgraded to handle the power.
The Pantera is coated in Rosso Corsa with a beige leather interior. It rolls on the 15-inch Gotti wheels and looks fantastic. Inside the car has TRW harnesses and a Sony CD player. More recently, the car was upgraded by Pantera Specialists with modern fuel injection. The car is being sold on behalf of the original owner by his son.
The purchase comes with records dating back to 1978 and also includes trophies, awards, magazine articles on the car, and a clean California title. The GT5 body upgrade was installed in the ’80s by Hall Pantera after the GT5 model was released to the public. The car was repainted in the correct color at the time and received tinted glass, and blacked-out window surrounds. The car did get new leather upholstery in the ’80s.
The odometer shows 27,000 miles, but it has reportedly rolled over. In an older configuration, the car made 840 horsepower. It’s on Bringatrialer right now with the auction ending in 6 days, and the current bid is $45,000. The price will certainly go up from there. Check out this 1983 Pantera once owned by Carroll Shelby.
Subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford classic news and around-the-clock Ford news coverage.
Source: Bringatrailer
Comments
I was 21 and looking for my first new car. I had read about the Mercury Capri and went to a local Mercury dealer in 1973. I liked the Capri because it was small like the original Mustang and ran great with the 2600 v6. I drove a red one and was sold. I was dealing with the owner of the dealerships Son. I spotted a white Pantera in the lot and he told me it was his demonstrator. I told him I would sign the papers for the Capri, but first he had to take me for a ride in the Pantera. He said let’s go and off we went. It was great and when he pulled over and told me to try it, I could hardly believe it! It was a short drive, but I still remember it to this day.
I realize people will like the “wing” on the Pantera but it is in the wrong place. Having owned one these car’s in the 1980’s, I can tell you they have serious understeer. Fast in a straight line but you better hang the tail if you want to corner.