TRUE Classic or OVERRATED Junk? Where Does The De Tomaso Pantera Sit With You?

There are few manufacturers with weirder stories than De Tomaso. Without question, its most famous vehicle was the Pantera. Built in Italy but powered by Americans, this car was definitely a little bit confused.

Here's the kicker: it was sold through Lincoln/Mercury dealers.

Known for their poor build quality and Elvis taking a shot at his very own Pantera -- literally, he shot it --, they're not what you'd call a car with a good story. However, for some enthusiasts there's just something special about it that they cannot resist.

Take, for example, these MINT examples at Concours this weekend. Not only are they incredibly clean but look at everything about the car; It's probably better then when it rolled off the factory's production line!

With nearly 7,300 vehicles built over its lifetime though, it is relatively rare, and as you can see, it has a cult following.

Taking that into consideration, we're a little curious: Is the De Tomaso Pantera a TRUE classic or merely OVERRATED junk?


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asafianow - 8/22/2011 12:17:00 AM

+1 Boost

I've always thought they were pretty cool... for the money there are other classic cars I'd rather get, but it kinda reminds me of a poor man's Lambo

theman440 - 8/22/2011 1:21:19 AM

+3 Boost

Definately a classic.

wins555 - 8/22/2011 2:17:58 AM

+3 Boost

A beautifully designed classic exotic. A nightmare to maintain but boy does it look good or what?

MagnetMan - 8/22/2011 11:51:35 AM

+2 Boost

Everything has been sorted out by the enthusiastic owners club years ago. True, Lee Iacocca bypassed the Ford quality department when putting them on the street 40 years ago. The 351C and ZF transmission inside are as solid as they come, though. A UN of parts makes connoisseurs sneer, but they are quick as snot and look good from every angle.

wkooiman - 8/22/2011 4:16:03 PM

+2 Boost

Nightmare to maintain? Have you ever had one?

Overrated Junk? Are you kidding me?

I'm almost finished restoring a 72. I've also restored a 67 Mustang Fastback. The Pantera had a lot fewer issues with rust, and the build quality was much better than the Mustang.

I have driven a Testarossa 512TR, plus I have a Viper and a Porsche. The Pantera is the fastest, handles about the same, and even brakes about the same. That's pretty amazing for "Overrated Junk" that is 40 years old. Imagine how it compared in the day.

BTW, Yes Elvis shot his Pantera, but he also loved his car. There is an eye opening narrative by a girlfriend that was scared to death as Elvis drove well over 130mph in his Pantera. It's probably on the Internet somewhere.