Old time supercars

[tberg]

Is it just me, as a 66 year old, old fogey, but I just don't like the aesthetics of modern day supercars as compared to those of the late 1960's and early 1970's. Look at the shapes of such classics as the Miura, the Mangusta, the Pantera, GT40, any Ferrari from that era, the XKE, etc.. Compare those with any modern day Lambo, McLaren ....there's just no comparison. After about 18 years of ownership, a recent restoration/modification that brought modern day power, a luxurious interior and some additional upgrades, I still find myself just going out to look at it sometimes, just to admire its aggressive yet sensual shape. I just don't feel the same about new ones. Here's what I'm talkin' about...my '72 De Tomaso Pantera Pre L.

[tberg]

In the case of the Pantera, at least, the aftermarket vendor community is so strong that more parts are available now than were available during the years of production. Original replacement parts as well as improved performance parts are abundant.

I, too, agree that the Miura is one of the greatest designs ever except for one thing that has always bothered me: that Idaho shaped panel that falls between the back of the door and the rear bonnet, the two panel gaps on each side of that panel mar (for me) what would be the most sensuous body ever. In fact, it's the last Lamborghini that I would call attractive as everything since (with maybe an exception for the Diablo) is just hideous especially the Countach (outrageous certainly, beautiful, definitely not.).

And if you're after the modernities of new supercars but yearn for the aesthetics of the old days, you can always buy the Ares Pantera bodied Huracan, which gives you the best of both. Or if you've got a hankering for even more vintage styling, the new De Tomaso P72 is certainly more stunning than any new hypercar. Anyway, the old fogey in me, has been on display long enough, I think I'll go out, start up the Pantera, and just listen to my house rattle in the background, no whiney sewing machine sounds from this beast.

[tberg]

Alex0904,
Congratulations on getting your Alfetta. I'm sure it drives as good as all Alfas always do, and I'm glad it lives up to your expectations. It's hard sometimes for longtime dream cars to do that. Happy motoring with her. and anytime you find yourself back in California, give me a holler and you can take the Pantera out for a day. It's not as lithe, nor does it shift as effortlessly as an Alfa, but it certainly has its own rewards (at least 500hp's worth of them),

[tberg]

The original 15" Campys with the fat donut tires, do indeed, look classy and right for the era and the car. However, if, as I and many Pantera owners, upgrade the braking system to accommodate a higher performance engine or for track use, the calipers will not fit back under the 15" rims. In addition, there is virtually no availability of the wide tires for those wheels any longer. In my case, when I did the conversion, probably 17 years ago, I went to the 17" Campy clones to keep at least a semblance of the original look while giving me a few (very few) choices on tires

[tberg]

Andy-IM,
Although I'm partial to Pre L cars, yours was certainly gorgeous and an eye catcher. How long did you own her and when did you sell it?

[tberg]

Got an email from a guy, yesterday, who produces music videos (I believe), saw pictures of my car, and is doing a shoot next week where all he wants is 1970's supercars and desperately wants to rent my Pantera for the day. It won't be driven, just sitting there looking "pretty." And I can stay and watch after delivering it. And they're paying $400 for a couple of hours. It should be fun, and I should get all sorts of new photos. Stay tuned!

Edited by tberg on Monday 16th December 02:00