1991 DeTomaso Pantera Coupe

Following the successful Mangusta coupe, Allesandro De Tomaso commissioned Lamborghini designer Gianpaolo Dallara to produce the chassis for the Pantera, a new mid-engined supercar. Like its Mangusta predecessor, the Pantera was endowed with Ford V8 power, with the 351 cubic-inch unit producing 330 bhp or 35 bhp depending on the destination market. Zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in just over six seconds, with its top speed in the neighborhood of 160 mph. As production was nearing the end, the final models received a 302 CID Ford V8 engine with electronic fuel injection, replacing the previous 351 CID unit. The updates were beyond just the engine, as nearly every mechanical component was redesigned including the braking, chassis, suspension, and transmission. Most examples were fitted with automatic transmission, though the GTS was fitted with a ZF five-speed manual gearbox.

Tom Tjaarda at Carrozzeria Ghia styled the first generation of the Pantera, with its coupe coachwork constructed by Vignale, and both of these companies would become part of De Tomaso's empire in the early 1970s. The final iteration of the Pantera, known as the 90 Si, was styled by Marcello Gandini.

This particular Pantera 90 Si is powered by a 4,942cc overhead-valve Ford V8 engine delivering 247 bhp at 5,000 RPM. There is a five-speed manual ZF transaxle with a limited slip differential, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, and an independent suspension system. It is a low-millage, highly original example that was built in June 1991. It has a revised chassis, new suspension geometry, Brembo ventilated brakes, and alloy wheels by Fondmetal now shod with Michelin tires.

Among the list of standard equipment includes leather upholstery, wood-trimmed interior panels, racing-styled seats, an electronic cooling system, power windows as well as electric rearview mirrors. The exterior is finished in Giallo Cromo over a Black leather interior. The odometer currently displays 33,332 kilometers.

Of the 41 examples of the Pantera 90 SI constructed, two were destroyed in crash testing, and one was destined for the De Tomaso museum. Of the 38 examples sold to the public, four cars were converted into Targa models.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2023