This stunning 1972 DeTomaso Pantera, with a unique 49-year family ownership history, exudes a mix of Italian design and American power. First delivered to Pascal Dilday Inc. of San Diego, California, the Pantera has remained in Southern California since 1975, purchased by the current owner’s late father. It boasts a powerful 351ci Ford Cleveland V8 engine paired with a five-speed ZF manual transaxle and has undergone tasteful updates, all while preserving its original charm.
Striking Black Exterior with Timeless Design
Originally finished in silver, this Pantera was refinished in black in 1974, giving it an aggressive and sleek appearance. Although minor paint cracking is visible, the Pantera’s bold design is timeless. Designed under the direction of Tom Tjaarda, the Pantera showcases its pop-up headlights, chrome bumpers, and bright window trim. A rear luggage rack adds practicality, while quad exhaust outlets remind you of the raw power lurking under the hood.
The 15″ Campagnolo cast magnesium wheels, finished in silver, complete the classic look. These are fitted with BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires (205/60 front and 255/50 rear), offering both style and performance. The adjustable coilovers and four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes ensure that this Pantera handles like a true sports car.
Well-Preserved Interior with Modern Updates
Inside, the cabin features black vinyl bucket seats with a classic gated shifter, air conditioning, and power windows. The seller replaced the air conditioning compressor and hoses in 2023, ensuring comfort during your drives. The interior also includes a vintage Kenwood cassette stereo, allowing you to enjoy an authentic retro experience.
The MOMO steering wheel frames a classic Veglia 200-mph speedometer and an 8k-rpm tachometer, giving the driver a clear view of the Pantera’s performance capabilities. Auxiliary gauges for fuel level, water temperature, and oil pressure are located in the center stack. With just 72k miles on the odometer—64k of which were added by the current owner—the Pantera’s interior is a blend of classic design and subtle modern touches.
Raw Power: 351ci Ford Cleveland V8
At the heart of this Pantera is a mid-mounted 351ci Ford Cleveland V8 engine, producing 264 horsepower and 314 lb-ft of torque via its original four-barrel carburetor. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through the sought-after ZF five-speed manual transaxle, providing thrilling performance on any road. The car has been well-maintained with a recently replaced battery, ensuring that it’s ready to hit the road.
A Collectible Piece of Automotive History
This Pantera is offered with a Deluxe Marti Report that details its factory equipment and production statistics. The sale also includes manufacturer’s literature, a tool kit, spare parts, and a clean California title. This is an opportunity to own a piece of automotive history, with nearly five decades of family ownership preserving the car’s legacy.
Specifications:
- Year: 1972
- Engine: 351ci Ford Cleveland V8
- Power: 264 hp, 314 lb-ft torque
- Transmission: 5-speed ZF manual transaxle
- Wheels: 15″ Campagnolo cast magnesium
- Tires: BFGoodrich Radial T/A (205/60 front, 255/50 rear)
- Mileage: 72,000 miles
- Features: Air conditioning, power windows, pop-up headlights, quad exhaust outlets, gated shifter
Source: bringatrailer.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt