The Pantera debuted in Modena in March 1970 and was presented at the 1970 New York Motor Show a few weeks later. A year later the first production Pantera’s were sold, and production was increased to three per day. Designed by an American, working for an Italian firm the Pantera (Italian for “Pantha”) took over from the Mangusta and continued to be produced for 20 years. Unlike the Mangusta the Pantera employed a steel monocoque which was the first time De Tomaso used this technique.
Built in January 1974 this De Tomaso Pantera was first registered in the UK during December of that same year. It was initially fitted with a prototype 3.0 V6 engine of the time. It subsequently spent some time in Ireland before being re-imported by the founder of the De Tomaso Owners Club, Phil Stebbings, in 1981 where it acquired its “W” registration. Mr Stebbings converted the car to GT5 spec using factory original parts and replaced the engine with an original spec Cleveland 5.8 litre V8. Latterly a race spec V8, more suited to track work, was fitted along with bespoke AP Racing brakes. The car was (and still is) well known within the Club and was frequently seen on supercar test days and featured in many magazines in the 1980’s.
Mr Stebbings ended up owning the car for 18 years where it then passed onto another Club member who owned the car for a further 15 years and under whose ownership a major renovation took place around 2012. A new 5.7 litre “Windsor” block V8 was fitted, developing no less than 400bhp and 390lbs/ ft of torque. The engine was built by renowned racing specialists famous for their work on extremely high performance engines and has covered only 3000 miles since. Further work at the time included a full bodywork overhaul and respray, the fitment of a custom stainless exhaust and a full refresh of the interior.
The current owners have instructed ourselves to go right through the car replacing any parts as required and to ensure the car is running 100%.
No less than four bulging folders outline the history and work undertaken over the decades and include numerous period photos, MOT certificates and tax discs. In addition, the car featured in a Coca Cola commercial from the 1980’s starring Pierce Brosnan and where the car was driven by Eddie Kidd (see below link):
It also participated in the Venice Simplon Orient Express challenge in 1991 with many famous personalities (see below link):
The car is offered in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition and is a great example of this rare and appreciating classic. Complete with owners manual, tool kit and custom car cover.
