1972 De Tomaso

Few names evoke the same visceral thrill as De Tomaso Pantera. Born from the fusion of Italian design flair and American muscle, the Pantera redefined what a grand touring car could be - raw performance wrapped in seductive Italian style. This particular example, a 1972 Pantera L, embodies that spirit entirely: a car that has lived, loved, and been lovingly restored with authenticity and precision.

First registered in Los Alamitos, California in 1972, this Pantera led a charmed early life - driven regularly and enjoyed in the way its creators intended. Over the years, it accumulated a modest 26,000 miles before being tucked away for 15 years in completely original condition. A time capsule of Italian-American engineering, waiting to be rediscovered.

On August 22nd, 1993, the car found its next custodian in Redlands, California. What followed was a full, sympathetic restoration - a process carried out with a meticulous respect for originality, yet an eye for subtle improvement. The body was stripped back to its bare metal, revealing remarkably solid underpinnings with only minor areas of corrosion, all carefully rectified before preparation for paint.

The transformation culminated in a respray of breathtaking depth - a deep blood red finish that accentuates every curve and crease of the Pantera’s Giorgetto Giugiaro–penned form. Complementing this, all exterior trim was powder-coated in black, providing a sharp contrast that underlines the car’s purposeful stance.

In the pursuit of purist aesthetics, the later ‘L’-style impact bumpers were replaced with the earlier, more elegant bumperettes — finished in satin black to complete the look. The result is a Pantera that exudes both vintage authenticity and visual drama.

During its time in California, this Pantera became a well-known figure on the West Coast concours circuit. Among its appearances were:

Las Vegas, 1997 – Participant with the Pantera Owners Club of America

Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance, 1997 – 2nd in Class

1994 Mustang 30-Year Celebration – Participant

1st Annual State Farm Founders Day Car Show, Rancho Cucamonga – 2nd Place

Monterey Events – Participant

Each event underscored the car’s exceptional condition and the admiration it commands among enthusiasts.

While largely faithful to its original specification, a few tasteful upgrades nod to the Pantera’s GT5 lineage. Small vents were added to the bonnet to improve airflow, and a Momo Prototipo steering wheel - as fitted to later GT5 models - replaced the original, giving a more tactile and driver-focused feel.

It still proudly wears its original Campagnolo magnesium rims, Ansa exhaust tips, and slightly wider rear bumpers. The original ‘L’ bumpers are retained, now finished in black to harmonise with the car’s dramatic exterior treatment.

This Pantera is accompanied by an extensive portfolio chronicling its remarkable life - including photographs documenting its first total restoration, a California vehicle appraisal, original invoices from its time in the U.S., and a collection of awards and certificates from its various concours appearances.

Presented today in outstanding condition, this 1972 De Tomaso Pantera L represents a rare opportunity to acquire a car with deep provenance, rich history, and a restoration that speaks to both passion and precision. A car equally at home gracing the lawns of a concours or devouring the open road, this Pantera perfectly captures the essence of Premier GT - performance, provenance, and pure emotion.