1972 Pantera  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |
1971 DeTomaso Pantera news, pictures, and information | ||
| Tweet | ||
Elvis Presley, who had a passion for both guns and cars, shot this Pantera wîth his personal firearm during a temperamental outburst when he lost patience because the car would not start. The two bullet holes on the §teering wheel rim and one in the floor pan were never repaired and today serve as reminders of his occasional fits of rage. Elvis bought this Pantera for $2,400 in 1974 for his girlfriend, actress Linda Thompson. Although its mid-engine configuration qualified it for 'exotic car' status, the De Tomaso Pantera cost less than a comparable Ferrari or Lamborghini because of its relatively inexpensive, but still potent Ford engine.
Collection of Margie and Robert E. PetersenSource - Peterson Museum
Collection of Margie and Robert E. PetersenSource - Peterson Museum
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.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2005
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.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2005
The Pantera was designed by famed stylist Tom Tjaarda and built by Formula One driver and industrialist Alejandro de Tomaso.
Worldwide approximately 1,500 Pantera's still exist, out of 7,200 produced between 1971 and 1996. In 1971 a new Pantera sold for approximately $10,500, while a new Corvette sold for $5,496.
This modified Pantera is powered by a Robert Yates 393 'Cleveland' engine with 550 horsepower using a ZF five-speed transaxle. It will accelerate from 0-60 in under four seconds and exceed 180 MPH.
Worldwide approximately 1,500 Pantera's still exist, out of 7,200 produced between 1971 and 1996. In 1971 a new Pantera sold for approximately $10,500, while a new Corvette sold for $5,496.
This modified Pantera is powered by a Robert Yates 393 'Cleveland' engine with 550 horsepower using a ZF five-speed transaxle. It will accelerate from 0-60 in under four seconds and exceed 180 MPH.
 | Coupe Chassis Num: THPNLE01423 | |
| Sold for $58,500 at 2008 Bonhams. Sold for $58,500 at 2008 Bonhams. | ||
The Pantera was a very important car as they helped establish de Tomaso's presence in the American marketplace. The body was styled by Tom Tjaarda, son of Lincoln-Zephyr designer John Tjaarda, then working at Ghia. Vignale was tasked with performing the actual construction. The cars were given a wedge-shaped form with a pointed nose and disappearing headlamps. It is not fully known on how many examples were produced; Lincoln-Mercury claims to have sold more than 6,000 examples at a price around $9,000 at port of entry.
This example was offered for sale at the 'Quail Lodge, A Sale of Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia' where it was sold for $58,500 inclusive of buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2008
 |  |  | Coupe |
Initially, it was priced at $9,800 and powered by Ford's 351 cubic-inch Cleveland V8 producing 330 horsepower. With a strong monocoque chassis of steel, this 2-place sports car beckoned to be driven and could race from zero-to-sixty mph in about 5.5 seconds with excellent stopping power from 4-wheel disc brakes and performance rated tires on Campagnolo aluminum wheels. Initial difficulties meeting US import regulations required modifications of the first several hundred by Holman-Moody in Charlotte, NC, but once released, Pantera became the feature of Lincoln-Mercury showrooms.
Further fit, finish, and corrosion problems followed, and Ford Motor Co. dropped the line in 1975 after about 5,500 were sold in the US. Initially with chrome plated bumpers, the later Pantera L of 1972 (L for luxury) was fitted with large black bumpers and a lower powered engine. That model was followed by the Pantera GTS of 1974 with additional luxury and performance features with a return to higher output.
This particular example had just 26,000 miles on the odometer.
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.
For more information and related vehicles, click hereIn 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.
| TAG HEUER SIGNS MAJOR GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP WITH FIA FORMULA E CHAMPIONSHIP | |
 | LONDON (May 15, 2013) - TAG Heuer, the world's number one manufacturer of luxury timepieces inspired by sport, has signed on as Official Timekeeper, Official Watch and Chronograph and Founding Partner of the FIA Formula E Championship. The agreement was signed at TAG Heuer's headquarters in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland by Jean-Christophe Babin, President and CEO of TAG Heuer (on the right), and Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holdings. 'Teaming up with Formula E, the world's top competi...[Read more...] |
| MERCEDES-AMG HELPS TO ENSURE SAFETY IN FORMULA 1 | |
 | In the new 2013 Formula 1® season, Mercedes-AMG will once again help to ensure safety at all Formula 1® races forming part of the FIA Formula One World Championship™. For the 18th year the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz is providing the Official F1® Safety Car and the Official F1® Medical Car. The SLS AMG GT with 435 kW (591 hp) and the C 63 AMG Estate with 358 kW (487 hp) will be deployed at the direction of Race Control officials usually when weather or incidents are considered to impact o...[Read more...] |
| VOLKSWAGEN CONTINUES PROMOTION OF JUNIORS IN FORMULA 3 | |
 | In 2013, Volkswagen engines will once again be in use in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, which gets underway with the opening round of the season in Monza this weekend. Volkswagen will also line up at the British Formula 3 Championship (season starts 25 – 26 May in Silverstone) and the German ATS Formula 3 Cup (season starts 26 – 28 April in Oschersleben. At the Formula 3 World Final in Macau (14 – 17 November), the unofficial F3 world championship, Volkswagen will be out to assert its ...[Read more...] |
| 12C SPIDER TO MAKE ITALIAN PREMIERE AT THE 37TH BOLOGNA MOTOR SHOW | |
 | •Italian debut of the 12C Spider – new Spider version of highly acclaimed 12C •Developed alongside 12C as a 'pure McLaren' – including revised 625PS 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo engine •Carbon fibre MonoCell ensures class-leading rigidity, handling and safety •Fully automatic two-piece Retractable Hard Top (RHT) can be raised or lowered in less than 17 seconds and on the move up to 30 km/h •Official retail location represented by Gruppo Fassina at McLaren Milan The innovative new McLaren ...[Read more...] |
| 1962 Monaco Grand Prix: McLaren Carries the Cooper Flag back to the Top | |
 | By the beginning of the 1962 Formula One season Jack Brabham had left Cooper to form his own racing team. It seemed the glories days of the double World Championship were well and truly behind them. However, left in Brabham's stead would be a man very akin to the Australian in so many ways. And in Bruce McLaren, Cooper had a driver and competitor more than apt to help carry the team forward into the future. The first race of the 1962 season, the Grand Prix of the Netherlands, certainly didn't...[Read more...] |
| Similar Vehicles | |
 | 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 |
| DeTomaso: 1971-1980 |
| Similar Automakers |
| DeTomaso History |
| Other models by DeTomaso |
| Manufacturer Website |
| Vehicle Recall Information |
| Guarà Longchamp Mangusta Pantera Vallelunga |
| 1972 Pantera |
