Restored Pantera Lusso 351ci V8 5-speed Alloy Wheels

Asking a car guy about their dream car is always a risky proposition. Some won't hesitate to gravitate toward one particular model, but most will respond with a barrage of questions. What era? What country of origin? What price range? In reality, choosing favorites is a very complex topic. That said, one thing is for sure: start asking about vintage super cars and you'll eventually end up talking about De Tomaso. When it comes to blending heritage, technology and exclusivity, few automakers have done it better. And this 1972 Pantera is an uncompromisingly elite offering that's so outrageous it'll make your head spin!

LOW, LUSTWORTHY & LOUD

Formed way back in 1959, De Tomaso has been a driving force in specialty sports cars and luxury cars for decades. Best known for their tie-ups with both Ford and Maserati, the firm began as an engineering house and chassis constructor for well-known Formula One race teams. Eventually the idea of a no compromises road car was born, and models like this incredible Pantera Lusso or, Panther Luxury in English, became the company's primary focus.

The Lusso, introduced in America as a 1972½ model, addressed many shortcomings of the original Pantera. Since Ford had officially bought a stake in the company and implemented precision stamping techniques, Lusso build quality was much improved over previous Panteras that had drifted ashore. Ultimately, a short four years of America-bound Pantera production resulted in sales of roughly 5,500 cars. And this Lusso, wearing decidedly old school paint until its professional respray in late 2016, is a fine example of their enduring legacy. At the front of the car, a US-spec, one-piece bumper centers a bright De Tomaso emblem above a built-in airfoil that reduces lift at high speeds. Behind that bumper, a dramatic hood crawls past pop-up headlights to fresh glass that's cased in well-maintained stainless. At the sides of that glass, polished mirrors reflect a whittled profile that's branded with crisp marker lamps, classy Ghia emblems and flush door handles. And at the back of that profile, intricate taillights and a second one-piece bumper float between and extended fuel filler, a familiar “POWER BY FORD” emblem and methodical “deTomaso Pantera” lettering.

CLEVELAND ROCKS PANTERA

In 1972, Ford and De Tomaso upped the ante for Pantera performance by equipping the car with 351 cubic inches of Cleveland V8 that combined an aggressive Cobra Jet cam with factory headers and a hot dual-point distributor. And this Pantera's mill, still decked in familiar Ford Blue skin, has been recently tuned, fitted with an electric choke and upgraded with electric cooling fans. 266 factory-spec horses get funneled through five forward gears thanks to a tough ZF transaxle. Turns come courtesy of recently replaced rack-and-pinion steering. Stops are provided by power-assisted discs. Exhaust rumbles through short pipes and polished stainless tips. Everything sits pretty on original Campagnolo wheels and original Goodyear Arriva tires. And power meets the pavement through polished Campagnolo replicas and staggered Michelin Pilot Sports.

VINTAGE OLD WORLD

Inside this awesome classic, class is the name of the game as a tasteful cockpit kicks off with thick bucket seats which wrap original vinyl covers around fresh foam. In front of those thrones, a reupholstered dash plots chrome-trimmed telemetry amid upgraded audio and controls for factory heat. That dash flows in to an enhanced console that's centered on a Gated Shifter. Opposite that island, vintage, uncut door panels retain an excellent factory sheen. And the driver spins a factory steering wheel around a factory Horn Stalk.

During the muscle car era, De Tomaso was a choice purveyor of intense sports cars. And this excellent Pantera Lusso presents the perfect opportunity to experience the brand at its very best. While rarity doesn't always ensure collectability, it's safe to say that any road-going Pantera is exactly the kind of classic that will anchor future collections. And best of all, this Lusso's new owner will have a blast getting there!

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HIGHLIGHTS

* Well-maintained De Tomaso Pantera Lusso that's been carefully restored as needed
* 23,214 Miles - Current NJ Title states actual mileage
* 351 cubic inch Ford Cleveland V8 with upgraded carburetion and upgraded cooling
* ZF 5-speed manual transaxle with a Gated Shifter
* Rack-and-pinion steering
* 4-wheel power disc brakes
* Factory vinyl interior with thoughtful upgrades
* Original 15-inch Campagnolo wheels with original H60V15 Goodyear Arriva tires
* Sale includes 17-inch Campagnolo replicas with speed-rated Michelin tires
* Restoration receipts
* All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
* We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world