My 1972 De Tomaso Pantera
Discussion
I've owned a 1972 De Tomaso Pantera for about 18 years but was never driving it, especially since I bought a 5.0L Jag XKR in 2013. The Jag was quicker, more comfortable, started every time, didn't care about traffic or exterior temperature. The Pantera never wanted to start without pulling the air cleaner, dumping gas into the carb, and praying a lot. So five years ago, I decided that I was going to make it driveable or get rid of it. First thing was to change to fuel injection. Now it starts with a simple turn of the key, first time, every time!. Then we did everything I ever wanted to do to the car: Transplant a new 500+hp 351C engine, pull the entire interior out and install C4 seats, all leather with diamond quilted and stitched seats, firewall, and dash. harnesses, flush windshield, headers, exhaust, new paint, and lots of little improvements or replacements. The car is gorgeous, ferociously loud, and driveable. There are still a few kinks to work out, but we'll get them done, and I have enjoyed driving the red cat over the last couple of months since I got her back after 4+ years of restoration/modification. My XKR is still my beloved daily driver, and is still a pleasure to drive with a 600hp supercharged engine leading the way, certainly the best car of several dozen I have ever owned. 
Edited by tberg on Tuesday 15th October 04:00
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/oZQ79jUL.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/f4L3yA5P" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/f4L3yA5P.jpg)
Again, thank you all for the compliments. I have always thought that the Pre-L Panteras represented the best example of the 1970's Italian wedge design. When I went looking for one many years ago, I did not like the later wide bodied GT5S with the flared fenders and the Countach spoiler as much as the original svelte Tom Tjaarda design, which 50 years later still looks contemporary amongst its younger counterparts. I'll be taking some more photos at Malibu Cars and Coffee tomorrow morning and will post them afterwards.
Thanks.
Thanks.
The 15" Campys are classic and especially the big sidewall of the corresponding tires. When I first bought the car many years ago, I wanted to upgrade the brakes, and once you do that, the new calipers won't fit under the 15" wheels. So, I did the next best thing which was to buy the 17" Campy clones to maintain the original look. And those huge rear 335s on the rear are just massive.
tberg said:
The 15" Campys are classic and especially the big sidewall of the corresponding tires. When I first bought the car many years ago, I wanted to upgrade the brakes, and once you do that, the new calipers won't fit under the 15" wheels. So, I did the next best thing which was to buy the 17" Campy clones to maintain the original look. And those huge rear 335s on the rear are just massive.
Fair point, and I'd imagine the standard brakes are pretty poor. Especially once the engines been upgraded!Thanks again for the compliments, you're all very kind. I just love the early Pre L cars of 1971-72 the best. Tom Tjaarda's splendid design made for an exceptionally beautiful, yet aggressive design, and it has aged so well 50 years after initiation. I enjoy looking at her as much (if not more) than driving the scalded cat and listening to the absolute roar of the exhaust. Any Pistonhead members traveling to Los Angeles any time in the future are welcome to take her out for a drive, just send me a message. I took some new pictures at Malibu Cars and Coffee this morning, and when I get a chance to download later on, I will post some more photos.
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