The Legendary De Tomaso Pantera: America's Italian Super Car

🏎️The De Tomaso Pantera filled a gap in the mid-engine sports car market in the late 60s and early 70s.

🌍The availability of parts and qualified technicians was a major concern for mid-engine sports car buyers.

💪The Pantera had a bulletproof American drivetrain and could easily be maintained with off-the-shelf parts.

👀The Pantera had a striking Italian design, with a low-slung and menacing appearance.

🚘The Pantera's performance was impressive, with a top speed of 160 mph and 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds.

What was the inspiration behind the design of the De Tomaso Pantera?

—The design of the Pantera was inspired by a mix of aggressive wedge shapes and well-sculpted Italian design elements.

How many De Tomaso Panteras were sold in the United States?

—A total of 5,500 Panteras were sold in the United States through Lincoln and Mercury dealerships.

What engine did the De Tomaso Pantera use?

—The Pantera used a mid-mounted 351 cubic inch Cleveland V8 engine, sourced from Ford Australia.

Did the De Tomaso Pantera have any successors?

—The Pantera was eventually succeeded by the De Tomaso Guara, although it didn't achieve the same level of success.

Why did Ford stop selling the De Tomaso Pantera in the United States?

—Ford stopped selling the Pantera in the United States due to slowing sales and the impact of the performance gas crisis.

00:00In the late 60s and early 70s, the mid-engine sports car market faced a lack of options for discerning buyers.

04:57The De Tomaso Pantera was designed to revolutionize the mid-engine sports car market by offering an affordable and reliable option.

05:53The Pantera's Italian design made it one of the best-looking cars of the era, with a low-slung and menacing appearance.

09:27Despite some initial build quality issues, the Pantera sold well in the United States, with 5,500 cars sold through Lincoln and Mercury dealerships.

11:46The Pantera went through various iterations and facelifts, including the GT5 and GT5S models, which featured more aggressive styling and increased performance.