The De Tomaso Pantera is a legendary mid-engine sports car that captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts worldwide. Produced from 1971 to 1993, this Italian-American hybrid combined stunning Italian design with robust American muscle, creating a unique and powerful supercar.
First and Only Generation (1971-1993)
The Pantera was designed by American Tom Tjaarda and replaced the Mangusta in De Tomaso's lineup. It featured a steel monocoque chassis and was powered by a mid-mounted Ford Cleveland V8 engine. The initial models came with a 5.8-liter (351 cu in) V8 producing 330 hp, paired with a ZF five-speed manual transaxle.
Key features of the Pantera included:
Throughout its production run, the Pantera underwent several updates and iterations:
Pantera L (1972-1975): Introduced to meet US regulations, featuring improved cooling and air conditioning.
Pantera GTS (1974): A higher performance version with more power and sporty aesthetics.
Pantera GT5 (1980-1985): Wider fenders, larger wheels, and improved aerodynamics.
Pantera GT5-S (1985-1989): Further refined with updated interior and exterior styling.
Pantera 90 Si (1990-1993): The final evolution, featuring fuel injection and modernized design.
Interesting facts about the De Tomaso Pantera:
The De Tomaso Pantera remains an iconic representation of 1970s and 1980s supercar design, blending Italian flair with American power in a package that continues to captivate car enthusiasts to this day.
The cost of a De Tomaso Pantera can vary significantly depending on factors such as the year of production, condition, and rarity of the specific model. As these cars are no longer in production and are considered classics, their prices are influenced by collector demand and overall market trends.
Here are some general price ranges for De Tomaso Panteras:
It's important to note that exceptionally well-preserved or restored examples, particularly those with low mileage or interesting provenance, can command much higher prices, sometimes exceeding €250,000. Conversely, projects or cars in need of significant restoration can be found for lower prices, typically starting around €40,000 to €50,000.
As the De Tomaso Pantera ceased production in 1993, it is not possible to purchase a brand new Pantera directly from the manufacturer. However, in recent years, there have been some modern interpretations and tributes to the classic Pantera that can give an idea of what a "new" Pantera might cost:
1. De Tomaso P72: While not a direct Pantera successor, this modern De Tomaso supercar, unveiled in 2019, is priced at approximately €750,000.
2. Ares Panther ProgettoUno: A modern reinterpretation of the Pantera, built by Ares Design, is priced at around €515,000.
3. Restomod Panteras: Some companies offer comprehensively restored and modernized Panteras, which can cost anywhere from €300,000 to €500,000, depending on specifications.
The price of these modern interpretations can vary based on factors such as:
While these are not original Panteras, they represent the closest approximation to what a "new" Pantera might cost in today's market.
The cost of a used De Tomaso Pantera can vary widely depending on several factors. Here's a breakdown of approximate price ranges for different periods of Pantera production:
Early Panteras (1971-1975):
Mid-production Panteras (1975-1985):
Late Panteras (1985-1993):
Factors influencing the price of a used Pantera include:
It's worth noting that prices can fluctuate based on market trends and individual seller preferences. Rare versions like the GT5 or GT5-S, especially in excellent condition, can command prices well above €200,000. Always have a specialist inspect any Pantera before purchase, as restoration and maintenance costs can be significant for these classic supercars.