1974 De Tomaso Pantera 351ci Cleveland V8 ZF 5-Spd Transaxle Tasteful Upgrades

Born from Alejandro De Tomaso's partnership with Ford Motor Company, the 1974 Pantera blends dramatic Italian styling with proven American V8 performance. Designed by Tom Tjaarda at Ghia and assembled in Modena, Italy, the Pantera emerged as one of the era's most distinctive mid-engine exotics, combining wedge-shaped bodywork and exotic proportions with the durability and serviceability of Ford power. Finished in a white exterior over a black interior, this example appears to have been restored and maintained as needed throughout its life while preserving the raw analog character that helped define the model.

Finished in an attractive white finish, this Pantera displays the clean early-body styling that helped establish the model's enduring appeal. Its low-slung profile, sculpted rear quarters, hidden headlamps, and aggressive rear haunches remain unmistakably Italian. Functional intake panels integrated behind the doors channel air into the mid-engine bay, while polished 17" Campagnolo-style wheels wrapped in Falken Azenis RT660 performance tires emphasize the Pantera's aggressive road-holding demeanor.

Behind the cabin, a Ford 351ci Cleveland V8 occupies the engine bay. An Edelbrock Performer intake manifold, Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor, K&N air cleaner assembly, and aluminum valve covers contribute to the engine compartment's clean presentation while adding additional performance potential to the Pantera's proven Ford powerplant. Cooling has also been upgraded with an aluminum Fluidyne radiator, addressing one of the model's well-known factory shortcomings. Power is routed through a ZF 5-speed manual transaxle with a limited-slip differential. Power four-wheel disc brakes, fully independent suspension, and the Pantera's mid-engine chassis architecture delivered the dynamics expected of a contemporary Italian exotic, while Ford's 351 Cleveland V8 helped set the car apart with accessible performance, broad tuning potential, and comparatively straightforward maintenance.

The cockpit retains the purposeful layout that defines the Pantera experience. Black bucket seats, a driver-oriented center console, Veglia Borletti instrumentation, and original-style switchgear preserve the car's period presentation, while the gated shifter utilizes a dogleg shift pattern that reinforces the mechanical personality expected of a 1970s Italian exotic. Amenities include power windows, air conditioning, recently serviced with a new compressor and converted to R134a refrigerant, and a vertically mounted Blaupunkt multiband radio paired with modern Rockford Fosgate speakers.

Combining Italian coachbuilt design with readily serviceable Ford performance, the Pantera remains one of the most usable and recognizable exotic cars of its era. This example presents with the authentic character, proportions, and analog personality that continue to make early Panteras highly sought-after among enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Key Highlights

* 351ci Cleveland V8
* ZF 5-speed manual transaxle
* Limited-slip differential
* Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor
* Edelbrock Performer intake manifold
* Aluminum Fluidyne radiator
* Fully independent suspension
* Power four-wheel disc brakes
* Air conditioning converted to R134a refrigerant
* 17" Campagnolo-style wheels
* 215mm front and 275mm rear Falken Azenis RT660 tires
* Black bucket seat interior
* Veglia Borletti instrumentation
* Gated dogleg-pattern shifter
* Power windows
* Vertically mounted Blaupunkt multiband radio
* Rockford Fosgate speakers