De Tomaso's replacement for their successful Mangusta in 1971 was the avant-garde and stylish Pantera. Retaining the best of the ingredients from the Mangusta, including the mid mounted 300 horse power Ford 351 cubic inch V8 Cleveland engine, 5 speed ZF transaxle and dramatic styling, the Pantera also added monocoque construction into the mix.

The cars sold well, limited production running from 1971 through to the early 90s with various derivatives emerging from the factory, although it is the early cars that have a certain purity of line ensuring they remain the most attractive and collectible.

The car offered here today is an early and restored 1972 example finished in the superb combination of two-tone grey and black paintwork with a black leather interior. This Pantera was comprehensively restored approximately 10 years ago and there are bills and receipts in the history file totalling $50,000. Photographs of the restoration show the car stripped back to bare metal and suggest this was a nut and bolt rebuild. The previous owner decided that the original 351 cubic inch Ford V8 was not sufficient, so this one is powered by a Ford 420 cubic inches (7,327cc) 'stroker' mated to the original 5-speed ZF gearbox. "The addition of big-block power in a small-block package makes this car feel invincible on the street." Although not 100% original, the engine is still a Ford unit and provides a refined and very impressive driving experience. The exhaust system is a work of art and "sounds downright nasty" according to a previous owner.

Following our inspections, we can confirm the bodywork is presented in very good condition with excellent paintwork and shut lines. The interior is delightfully original and is presented in lovely re-trimmed order. The engine bay suggests no expense was spared during the rebuild and the mid-engined V8 certainly takes centre stage. The odometer is reading an unwarranted 57,248 miles and the Campagnolo wheels have been nicely refurbished.

Supplied with a UK V5C registration, current MoT certificate and aforementioned bills and photographs of the restoration, this example represents superb value. The prospective new owner will get the best of both worlds, stunning seventies supercar styling with performance figures that could embarrass many modern cars.

"The Pantera has become an A-list celebrity and this one with a frame-off restoration and a brutal powerplant make the argument that Ferraris may be garage art, but Panteras are meant to be driven."

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