1973 De Tomaso Pantera

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This is the best example of the most desirable series of early De Tomaso Panteras. It is finished in the perfect colours of French Blue with Black interior.

1973 De Tomaso Pantera s/n *THPNNM05427* . De Tomaso's replacement for the attractive but incompletely resolved Mangusta was the Pantera. Maintaining the impressive ingredients that distinguished the Mangusta. including mid-mounted Ford V8. 5-speed ZF transaxle. and dramatic styling. the Pantera also added monocoque construction. The cars sold quite well. and was produced continuously from its 1971 introduction until the early 1990's (though US importation ceased officially in 1975). Although the later cars were substantially changed. the early cars have a certain purity that has ensured that they remain attractive and collectible.

While US cars received an emissions control-strangled engine that produced about 230hp. European cars received the high compression engine of approximately 330hp. Additionally. European cars were further distinguished by the inclusion of the more delicate chrome bumpers. This is one such European example. and is a three-owner car from new. The second owner is from Sacramento. California. and bought the car from its original owner in Treviso. Italy in 1983. At that time. the car had covered just 18. 00km from new. Today. the car has covered just 44500km (about 26500 miles) from new which is believed genuine but cannot be guaranteed. The car presents as a very well-preserved substantially original European example that has been properly looked after.

As a European car. it has the delicate chrome bumpers and 351cid Cleveland engine. making it more desirable from both an aesthetic and driving perspective than the US cars from the same period. The paint is lustrous throughout and has minimal damage. It appears to be largely original. though the front areas and left rear fender both appear to have been repainted. The body is excellent throughout. as is the panel fit. The chrome appears to be original and is very nice considering this. with light pitting only. The badging and trim are present. intact. and in nice shape. The wheels are the original Campagnolos and appear never to have been restored. and are also well-preserved. The interior is also quite original. and appears never to have been restored. The interior is very well-preserved. with very nice seats. carpets. gauges. and switches. The front compartment. trunk. and engine are also original. and the engine retains its correct blue finish.

It has recently had all new: Oil pipes and fluids including engine. earbox. ooling system etc. Air filter. Steering rack rebuilt. New clutch cylinder and brake cylinder. new brake fluids. New tyres rear. New twin fan conversion. New thermo stat. New exhaust manifolds and gaskets. New rebuilt brake callipers. New head light units. New fuel lines. New distributor and master blaster coil (Original distributor and fans included). New belts. Wax oiled chassis.

This is a superbly preserved low mileage European specification Pantera that is presented in a lovely period paint color. Wonderfully unmolested and faithful to its original delivery specification (a rare feature among Panteras). this example is a desirable time capsule for the connoisseur appreciating originality. The list goes on with the works done amounting to approx £2. 00 in parts alone in the last year or so. It drives like a new car and grabs all the attention on the road. Very under valued super car Will only appreciate in value in the sme way the early LP400 Countach is more desirable than the later models.

We supplied this car to the previous owner in 2011 and I have not seen a better example on sale in the meantime. This would form the centrepiece of any Italian car collection.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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