The Pantera was designed by the Italian design firm Ghia’s American-born designer Tom Tjaarda and replaced the Mangusta. Unlike the Mangusta, which employed a steel backbone chassis, the Pantera’s chassis was of a steel monocoque design, the first instance of De Tomaso using this construction technique. The Pantera logo included a T-shaped symbol that was the brand used by De Tomaso’s Argentinian cattle ranching ancestors,as well as a version of the Argentinian flag turned on its side, inspired by the company’s founder, Alejandro De Tomaso, having been born and raised in Argentina.

The car debuted in Modena in March 1970 and was presented at the 1970 New York Motor Show a few weeks later. Approximately a year later the first production cars were sold, and production was increased to three per day.

The slat-backed seats which had attracted criticism at the New York Auto Show were replaced by more conventional body-hugging sports seats in the production cars: leg-room was generous but the pedals were off-set and headroom was insufficient for drivers above approximately 6 ft (2 m) tall. Reflecting its makers’ transatlantic ambitions, the Pantera came with an abundance of standard features which appeared exotic in Europe such as electric windows.

Our example was imported into Belgium at the end of last year. The car was completely restored in June 1999 with following elements:

The engine: 351 Cleveland, 4 bolt mains and open chamber high performance heads, 10.7 to 1 pistons, competition cam, polished offenhauser intake, 650 CFM Holley 4 barrel carb, fluid damper balancer, roller rocker arms, Moly push rods, Edelbrock air filter and vent, Summit Racing electric fuel pump and gauge, 10 quart oil pan and stainless steel hardware used on exposed surfaces. To make this V8 sound amazing, a new flowmaster exhaust system has been fitted.

Transaxle and chassis: 5 speed German transaxle POSI 310 Gear by ZF (same as Ford GT40), 4 wheel Wilwood Dynalite disc brake system, braided brake lines, oversize master cylinder.

Body: model L bumper has been changed to European spec, mid wing and rear deck wing have been removed meaning the car has received a partial fresh coat of paint. Engine compartment and hood area painted with Imron, body painted Ruby Pearl, billet aluminium wheels.

Our DeTomaso Pantera is an excellent example. With its amazing body work finished in Ruby Pearl all the way to its mechanicals, which are in great condition. Before the car leaves to its new owner, it will also receive a fresh service and a check to make sure that it is ready for many more fun miles.

Please contact us for more pictures, videos, a test drive or a zoom call. Or if you are nearby the east of Belgium, close to the Dutch and German border, please stop by.