What is a Pantera?

The DeTomaso Pantera is a mid-engine exotic sports car that was produced in Italy and imported to the United States by Ford Motor Company from 1971-1975.  This stunning car is a combination of elegant Italian styling, a potent Ford 351 Cleveland V8, fully independent suspension and a German ZF transaxle.

 

 

How did the Pantera come about?

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 natural, so a business/purchase arrangement was consummated and work began on a new mid-engined GT, the Pantera, to be marketed in the U.S. by Ford’s Lincoln-Mercury division.

 

 

Is the Pantera rare?

Although Ford stopped importing the Pantera in 1975, DeTomaso continued to manufacture and sell the Pantera overseas and around the world. Pantera production continued in Italy until approximately 1996. The exact number of DeTomaso Panteras built is not known, but the best estimates put total production at approximately 7,000.

 

In addition to the Pantera, DeTomaso has produced other fine automobiles such as the Vallelunga, Mangusta, Longchamp and Deauville.

 

 

What is a Pantera worth?

Like anything, it's worth what a willing buyer will give a willing seller in an arm's-length transaction. Prices for a classic Pantera vary on average from $20,000 to $50,000, with a few exceptionally restored or modified cars priced up to the $80,000 range. Late model examples, very rare in the US, may command more. This variance in price is the result of a number of factors, such as year, options, rarity, racing history, upgrades and modifications, and of course, the level or quality of restoration work performed on the car.