Description
Multicultural, that’s how we can call this De Tomaso Pantera GTS. Argentinian Alejandro de Tomaso started the eponymous brand in 1959 when he lived in Italy. With the Pantera, Alejandro built an Italian sports car with an American power source. American muscle with Italian flair, a wonderful combination. And it will become even more multicultural, but more on that later.
The beautiful body, which was designed by Tom Tjaarda at Carrozzeria Ghia, was built at Carrozzerie Vignale. Not very strange, both companies are in the hands of De Tomaso in the early 1970s. That De Tomaso had developed something particularly good is evident from the fact that the renowned American car magazine Road & Track chose the Pantera as ‘Sports car of the year’ in 1973.
This Pantera signed by Ghia is one from 1972, which means that it is an early copy, as the model went into production barely a year earlier. This Pantera is therefore without extra wings, integrated bumpers, wheel arch extensions and extremely wide wheels and tires. The Pantera in its purest form.
This rare European specification GTS was originally delivered in Belgium. European Panteras are already a rarity anyway, an original European GTS is simply very special. Painted in the original GTS colors of red over satin black with the DeTomaso decals and silver gray wheels.
The GTS is in new condition and that is not surprising: the Pantera was completely restored at the highest level, as the invoice and the photo report of the restoration clearly show. The red body looks in a formidable condition, with the paint making the car thoroughly Italian. With a deep shine, it also fits perfectly with the subtly present matte black details and window frames. All in beautiful condition, of course. We already said it: this Pantera is truly multicultural because the restoration was carried out in Germany. Italian flair, American strength, German Gründlichkeit. An ideal combination.
The interior is the same sheet a suit. Completely in top condition and breathing the atmosphere of the early 1970s. Two separately placed meters in tubes and small meters placed vertically above each other in the center console provide a typical Italian look. The upholstery of the period correct bucket seats is in top condition, as are the carpets and controls.
The large matching numbers (!) 5. 8 liter V8 from Ford delivers an enormous 345 hp in the Pantera GTS, which makes the car a very fast car in its time. Even today, the acceleration and experience in the Pantera are enormous. The fantastically maintained V8 is linked to a five-speed manual transmission from ZF, in a ‘transaxle setup’. Driving the car is a great experience, where everything about this car is simply in perfect condition. We rarely see them like this!
