1973 DeTomaso Pantera II news, pictures, and information

The Pantera was the result of an Argentinian racing driver (Alejandro De Tomaso), Italian engineering and American muscle. The styling was handled by Tom Tjarda while Giampaolo Dallara was responsible for the structural design. Looking at the vehicle, it greatly resembles that of the Lamborghini offspring. The reasoning for this resemblance could be attributed to Giampaolo Dallara who was also aided in the designing of the Lamborghini Miura.

The wing on the back was optional. If used, it would help by providing down force and aided in stability, however, it also slowed the vehicle down and decreased the visibility out the rear-view mirror.

The engine was a V8 borrowed from the Ford Mustang and the 5-speed transaxle was that of the Ford GT40. The design of the car was intended to be simple. The reasoning was to mass-produce these easy-to-assemble cars. An ambitious goal of 5,000 vehicles a year was set. Ford aided with some of the financing. Their part of the deal was to retain distribution rights in the US while DeTomaso could have the European market. Ford was the first to back out, after energy crises were becoming more common in the 1970's, coupled with poor build quality of the vehicle. DeTomaso continued but in limited production.

Coupe
Chassis Num: THPNNJ05220

Argentinan born Alejandro DeTomaso was a successful racing driver who later became a very successful constructor, first with his own chassis powered by engines from the Maserati brothers' OSCA concern, and later with Ford-based production engines. The Vallelunga was introduced at the 1963 Turin Show. It was powered by a 1.5-liter Cortina engine that was mounted mid-ship and powered the rear wheels. In 1969, the Ghia (Giorgetto Giugiaro) designed Mangusta was introduced. Power from this car was from a Boss Mustang and displaced 302 cubic-inches. It was basically a prototype racing car that was street legal and produced in limited numbers, amassing just 400 units.

The Ford Motor Company saw the potential of De Tomaso and decided to help with the latest project, the Pantera that was designed by Tom Tjaarda. It was built by Ghia and powered by a 351 cubic-inch 'Cleveland' V8 engine and mated to a ZF five-speed manual gearbox. The Pantera had exceptional performance, eye-catching styling, and reasonable luggage space and amenities that made it very attractive to American buyers. It was introduced at the New York Auto Show in 1970 and sold by select Lincoln-Mercury dealers from 1971 to 1974. Zero-to-sixty was accomplished in just 5.5 seconds with the top speed achieved at 150 miles per hour.

This example is a matching numbers example that is an L-designated model, from the final production year of 1974. The 'L' represented the 'Luxury' treatment that included black safety bumpers front and rear, improved cooling and air conditioning system, and a revised dashboard layout, among other enhancements. It is painted in a rare black on black combination and currently shows just 45,795 miles.

In 2009, this De Tomaso Pantera was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $70,000 - $90,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for a high bid of $35,750 including buyer's premium.

The Pantera is DeTomaso's most significant production car to date, and lived an overall production life of nearly 25 years. It is the model which most people identify with DeTomaso, and completed the company's transition to a volume producer of high perforamnce GTs. In describing the Pantera's career, especially from a U.S. perspective, it is easiest to view it in three separate stages: the Ford importation era (1971-1974), the post-Ford era (1975-1990) and the final iteration (1991-1994), as these last Panteras were substantially different than all prior machines.
In the late 1960s, Ford was in need of a high performance GT to combat the likes of Ferrari and Corvette, and assist in generating additional dealership traffic for its mainstream product lines. DeTomaso Automobili was relying on Ford for engines used in the Mangusta and had purchased the Ghia design and coach-building concern. After Ford's failed attempt to purchase Ferrari, the Ford-DeTomaso marriage seemed quite natural, so a business / purchase arrangement was consummated and work began on new mid-engined GT. It would be marketed in the U.S. by Ford's Lincoln-Mercury division.

Ghia stylist Tom Tjaarda styled the new machine, and Giam Paolo Dallara was engaged for chassis and production design. The Pantera's layout differed from the Mangusta in several fashions. First, it was conceived with a full monocoque chassis layout, as opposed to the prior car's spine chassis design. Secondly, it to be built around Ford's then-new 5.7 liter (351 cubic-inch) 'Cleveland' V-8. This engine featured deep-breathing heads patterned after the very successful Boss 302 design, 4-barrel carburetion and 4-bolt main bearing caps. The new V-8 was mated to a ZF fully synchronized 5-speed transaxle with limited slip, and rated at 310 horsepower (SAE Gross, 1971 trim).

All of the expected race-inspired componentry is present: fully independent suspension with upper and lower A-Arms, coil-over shock absorbers, front and rear sway bars, 4-wheel power disc brakes, cast magnesium wheels by Campagnolo and rack-and-pinion steering. The front compartment houses the brake booster, master cylinder, battery and tool kit; the rear trunk unit, easily removable for engine access, holds a considerable amount of luggage. The interior features an aggressive cockpit design, full instrumentation, factory air conditioning and power windows. 1971 and 1972 cars carried chrome bumperettes front and rear.

In late 1972, the 'L' model was introduced, which features black safety bumpers front and rear, improved cooling and air conditioning systems and other enhancements. For 1973, the 'L' model continued with a revised dashboard and instrument layout. The last Panteras constructed for the US market were built in late 1974, and included approximately 150 GTS models. The GTS featured fender flares and additional black out paint trim. European versions received larger wheels, tires and other performance minded enhancements.

The first Panteras were marketed at 'Around $10,000' as the advertisements would say: the final 1974 units carried prices approximately $12,600.

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