1971 De Tomaso Pantera

For sale is a 1971 DeTomaso Pantera Pushbutton.  The first 75 cars that Ford imported from DeTomaso were the Pushbutton Panteras.  They were built by hand at Vignale Coachwork in Turin, Italy.  All subsequent Panteras were produced at DeTomaso's new factory in Modena.  The Pushbutton Panteras are readily distinguished by their door handle molded into the body's sheet metal along with its push button actuator. There are other differences including single slot Campagnolo wheels, brass window frames, clear glass, a unique transmission bell housing,  an aluminum gas tank, and its distinctive sheetmetal configuration in the engine bay.  This car is #1313 and is the 27th Pantera that Ford imported.   It is in showroom condition and no expense was spared on its restoration.  Every effort was made to preserve its factory correctness.  There are less than 100 miles on its restoration and it is essentially a new car.  Its deluxe Marti report is included. Documented Owner History:There were two owners of this car when it operated.  Jan Vander Baan bought the car new from Town Motors in Englewood NJ.  He then sold it to Keith King of Virginia in 1973 for $7000 with 14,297 miles on it.  In the 1980's the car had 35,310 miles when Mr. King disassembled the car and began a bare metal restoration on a rotisserie but did not complete the effort before he passed away.  The disassembled project was purchased by accomplished race car driver “Liquid Lou” Cicconi in 2007 from the deceased's estate.  Lou had intended to bring the project to fruition but after languishing for 10 years (with 0% progress) he sold the project to me.  Some parts were understandably missing but I was able to source those and methodically brought the car back to its original form. Engine and ZF-1 Transaxle:The car's Ford 351 Cleveland engine has been disassembled, inspected, and resealed but not rebuilt and has the original 4.000” cylinder bores.  There is no lip at the top of the cylinder walls and this helps substantiate the odometer reading of 35,310 miles.  It has the high compression, closed chamber cylinder heads with D0AE casting marks that were standard on the 1971 Panteras.  The car's ZF-1 transaxle with its unique Pushbutton bell housing is also unrestored and operates well.  This is the same transaxle that was used in the Ford GT40 race cars.The following restoration items may not be apparent in the photos:- Interior is completely resurfaced by one of the most experienced Pantera upholstery shops.- All new suspension bushings, ball joints, and steering rack.  All eight a-arms are powder coated.- All new wheel bearings and races, front and rear.  Complete rebuild of rear carriers and half shafts.- All new brake components (seals, pads, flex lines) and new brake master cylinder.  New brake hard lines.  Calipers re-plated to factory spec.- New clutch master and slave.- All switches, gauges, and lights work correctly.- NOS (new, old stock) air conditioning compressor. - All new lock mechanisms and tumblers.  This includes ignition, doors, and rear trunk.  Two new sets of period correct keys are included.- Silver pinstripe done by hand on wiper vents and gills (black covers next to engine windows) per factory spec on early 1971 cars. - 13 piece interior carpet set for first series Panteras- Powder coat paint applied to numerous components throughout the car.- All new glass except door vent windows, and all new weather stripping, window felt, and rubber seals.- All fluids (engine, trans, brakes, clutch, and coolant) are fresh and clean.  Inquiries about the car are welcome.Special thanks go to Panteras By Wilkinson for support throughout this restoration project.  Steve Wilkinson's knowledge and resources were instrumental in bringing this distinctive Pushbutton Pantera back to life.

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