The De Tomaso Pantera is one of the few exotic cars that owners seem nonplussed about modifying. These days it is more rare to come across one that hasn’t had its engine quad-turbo’d, or bodywork group-fived. So it comes as kind of a shock to find this pristine example from 1974 that not only is as-original, with only 135 miles on the clock, it is original.
Now, a 35 year old car with so few miles may make your head swim with thoughts of dried-up seals, seized bearings and brake failure, but the seller is ready for this and notes that original does not mean un-maintained:
We have just completed a full mechanical service and cosmetic detail on the car to awaken it from its years in storage. The car was fully inspected and every system serviced including changing all fluids, belts, hoses, and filters. Only period correct OEM parts were used in this process.
The engine has been fully serviced including rebuilding the carburetor and replacing the oil pan gasket. New plugs, filters, and all new hoses were installed. The exhaust system has been cleaned and Jet coated to match the original finish and new exhaust gaskets installed. The transmission was serviced and it’s fluid replaced. The clutch master and slave cylinders were replaced.
The brake booster, master cylinders and brake calipers were all rebuilt and new brake hoses installed. Wheel bearings were re-packed and new wheel seals installed. All new upper and lower control arm bushings have been installed. Our four-wheel alignment has set the suspension to factory specifications.
The air conditioning compressor and clutch were replaced and the system converted to modern 134 refrigerant. It works better than new.
Our detail department then spent over 200 hours cleaning and detailing every square inch of this car. The interior exterior and even the bottom of the car are in “AS NEW” condition.
Now comes the biggest heartbreak of all, for while many Panteras have fallen to the whims and personal tastes of their particular owners, diminishing their value, and keeping prices for the marque relatively low, something of this providence must command a premium, and that it does, as its seller is asking $1,000 for each mile so far covered.
Now, it’s unlikely that you will come across another Pantera of this caliber any time soon, and so, if you really like Panteras (and I REALLY like Panteras) then $135,000 may not be too much to ask for this white knight. That said, you’re spending that much for the uniqueness that the time-capsule condition affords. That means you’d never get to enjoy the car without diminishing its value, and if driving it is a goal, why not start with a cheaper, and less unique version?
Los Angeles Craigslist
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