Wednesday 19th September 2012

Spotted: De Tomaso Pantera GTS

If the BMW takeover goes ahead, original De Tomasos like this could well appreciate

---

Whilst there was certainly some positive reaction to the possible acquisition of De Tomaso by BMW, some eyebrows were raised also. Some of you were of the opinion that De Tomaso lacks the brand appeal it once had. Others argued that the iconic Italian firm shouldn't have its reputation tarnished by being resurrected as a badge adornment for rebodied BMWs.

Fair comment - but what if the acquisition does go ahead, and BMW makes a success of it? What if they make another Pantera? And what if it looks anything like this gorgeous example?

Cabin design has dated quite well

Like the Countach, the Pantera fell victim to the worst excesses of supercar flamboyance, with ever-larger spoilers, scoops and slats for dramatic effect. But, as with very early variants of the Countach, simplicity brings out the inherent rightness in the basic design. This Pantera shows that off (nearly) perfectly.

Though this is a late Pantera GTS (it hails from 1989, with the last cars built in 1991), and so has the more aggressive front bumper and flared arches, it foregoes the wild rear wing of many '80s cars. It isn't quite as pure as the early '70s originals, but it still looks stunning.

Of course, the concept of an off-the-shelf engine installed in a low-slung body is by no means new. Look at early TVRs and Marcoses, and even now marques like Ginetta and Wiesmann. But the Pantera, with its exquisite design, still seems a cut above all the pretenders. There's something exotic about it, despite its blue-collar drivetrain.

351 Cleveland motor looks fresh

This particular Pantera looks like an almost flawless example. The photos show stacks of history and an entirely unblemished interior. The asking price is in the upper echelons for road-going Panteras, but its condition probably justifies the money. For an Italian supercar (with a muscle car heart), the colour scheme of dark blue with cream leather is a sober and interesting alternative to the more usual reds.

If the BMW-De Tomaso coalition does go ahead, values of old De Tomaso models like this could rise as the brand becomes more widely recognised. Or, if nobody likes the new cars, they will all be clamouring after an original - a beautiful, fast, iconic supercar with uncomplicated running gear and the potential to appreciate in value.

One of the best rear ends in motoring

See the original advert here

De Tomaso Pantera GTS (1989)
Engine: 5766cc, V8
Transmission: Five-speed manual, rear-wheel-drive
Power (hp): 330hp@5,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 325@3500rpm
MPG: 15 (hopefully)
C02: N/A
First Registered: 1989
Recorded mileage: 29,000
Price new:
Yours for: £64,995

[BlackCup]

Stunning car!

[M666 EVO]

This is why Italian cars reign supreme over any other manufacturers

That is a stunning brute of a car and I want it so badly

[GranCab]

Yes please ....

[anonymous-user]

Wibble!

I have always loved the Pantera

[BlackCup]

de tomaso mangusta is also gorgeous, it's what bill from kill bill drives! Quite suitable for a killer!

[V8 GRF]

BlackCup said:

de tomaso mangusta is also gorgeous, it's what bill from kill bill drives! Quite suitable for a killer!

Pantera evolved from the Mangusta but what a car.

Beautiful late example of the first ever 'supercar' I saw on the road probably around 1972 when I was 10.

I need that lottery win.....

[Dodgey_Rog]

Love the Mangusta, a proper muscle supercar. Shame they don't make them like this anymore.

Hopefully the BMW deal can emulate vehicles like this in future production?

[Captain Muppet]

:swoon:

[Hungry Pigeon]

Isn't there a yellow pantera in one of the "Bob feels epic" adverts on the telly at the moment?

[Bisonhead]

Bloody hell, the prices have shot up recently! STUNNING car, such aggressive looks. As much as I like the yank V8 sound I would prefer a tighter italian v8 in there...BMW?

[burger81]

^^^That man is correct.

I always remember a film from my childhood (mid/late 90's) about car racing that had the Pantera in it, its the first time i had seen one, but forever since i can't remember the films name. I have always wanted to revisit it. Anyone know it?

[vixen1700]

Lewis Collins drove a white Pantera in the ITV comedy A Cuckoo Waltz back in the '70s.

[arkenphel]

I suspect that the engines will be blown BMW affairs, as they seem to be heading towards an all turbocharged engine line up.

As pretty and iconic as de tomato cars are, I don't think it has a strong enough identity established for people to moan too much if BMW change the formula.

[CAPP0]

My local MOT garage (very small, old fashioned place) told me that they had a De Tomaso in for MOT last week - and it was blue. They'd never seen one before.

Advert said:

brand new MOT

Wonder if it was the same one (garage in Kent).

[Hellbound]

BMW can bring out 8 series successors that are hybridized and electrified until the cows come home. Just so long as they make sure every De Tomaso has the heart of a rabid beast beating away under its hood.

Although I've read that this rumor is utter nonsense and just something started by someone at De Tomaso.

[SturdyHSV]

[Blown2CV]

garyhun said:

Wibble!

I have always loved the Pantera

me too!

[y2blade]

Fap Fap Fap

[andicog]

Ah the deep dish alloys on the back, is it me or are these missing on modern cars? You can keep all the new stuff, early super cars just had a certain something for me. Love it.

[LewisR]

y2blade said:

Fap Fap Fap

That's just wrong.