1971 DeTomaso Pantera Coupe

This 1971 De Tomaso Pantera was restored in the early 1990s. In total, over 820 hours of labor and $61,000 were spent on the restoration. It is finished in light gold with tan leather interior. It is fitted with the large 351 cubic-inch Ford 'Cleveland' V8 which produces 330 horsepower. The Pantera's were capable of a top speed of 160 mph.

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