Cool Pantera

One early exotic car that often gets overlooked is the De Tomaso Pantera (1971-1991). This car is in my opinion just as sexy as the Lamborghinis or Ferrari's of its time. Designed by American auto designer from Dutch origin, Tom Tjaarda, it featured a steel monocoque design and was powered by the new Ford 351- 4 bolt main Cleveland engine.

Later models, such as the GT5, had bonded and riveted wheel-arch extensions which created a distinctive wide-body look. The rear tires were considered beasts at the time, I believe second only to the Countach's.


a 1972 De Tomaso Pantera

The fact that the Pantera's sales lagged behind projections must have caused some kind of liquidity problems. This combined with poor manufacturing customs back then meant that the cars were poorly constructed. Rust-proofing was minimal on the early cars, while the quality of fit and finish was poor.

The late Paul Wederfoort imported a stunning red De Tomaso Pantera to be used for the 1985 Curaçao Grand Prix. Though details about the performance of the pace car were not kept, I do remember as a teenager always looking into the main showroom of the R.E. Yrausquin & Sons where the red Pantera was kept. I wonder where it is now.

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Photo credit: piximus.net