FAST
FACTS
Fast Facts:
- The Pantera (Italian for “panther”) was the world’s first affordable supercar, made possible by Ford (who owned the majority of DeTomaso at the time). This car shared many qualities with Ford’s GT40, including the use of a steel monocoque structure (compared to “spine” chassis of the Mangusta)
- The Pantera shares the same 11:1 351 Cleveland V8 found in previous-year Mustangs and Torinos, but with a 10hp bump thanks to the unique (and short) exhaust headers. This engine features forged steel connecting rods, 4 bolt main caps (pre-1972), lightweight aluminum pistons, and canted valves. The engine is located immediately behind the driver, making it a true mid-engined supercar
- The dogleg 5spd ZF transaxle, carried over from the old Mangusta, is shared with the GT40 and Maserati Bora. This is paired with a limited-slip differential sporting a 4.22:1 ratio. It should be noted that earlier cars had significantly lower gearing, with a 5th gearof 3.629:1 (vs 2.98:1 on the later cars (mid-1971+)
- After it entered production, a Pantera was sent to a wind tunnel in Dearborn. Testing at multiple air speeds revealed how similar the Pantera was to the GT40 – it produced only slightly more lift than the Ford @ 150 MPH
- Unfortunately, matching the GT40’s aerodynamic efficiency required a long, steeply raked windshield. This in turn exposed the interior (and driver) to an excessive amount of sun and heat. The air conditioning system (included in all U.S cars) was anything but adequate
- Despite a body made of steel, the Pantera tips the scales at a mere 3,123 lbs loaded, making it nearly 200 lbs lighter than the lightest (fiberglass) Corvette of the same year, and several hundred pounds lighter than a 454 big-block car. This is due in part to the Pantera’s compact dimensions, sitting 2 inches narrower and a whole 15 inches shorter than the Corvette
- As a mid-engined vehicle, the Pantera suffers from low rotational inertia, making it highly prone to sudden snap-oversteer. As a countermeasure, there is a sizeable amount of understeer built into the suspension’s geometry, which doubles as a safety net for unprepared drivers. This was pushed by Ford, as they knew this would be the first mid-engined experience for the vast majority of buyers. In fact, Ford’s lawyers did a lot to restrict the responsiveness and handling of the Pantera, raising roll centers and such, as a means to make the car less reactive
- As if the Pantera’s handling wasn’t “exhilarating” enough, all cars left the factory with a staggering 6 degrees of caster (!). While this provided enough directional stability to “drive around ants on the freeway at 80 MPH” (Car and Driver, 1971), it came at the expense of steering effort, which is quite difficult at low speeds and around town (no power steering). In the end, drivers had a love/hate relationship with the car’s overall driving dynamics
- Despite Ford’s involvement with the car’s development, the Pantera was never intended for Ford showrooms. Instead, the car was sold by Lincoln and Mercury dealers, which at the time were labeled as “the import division of the Ford Motor Company”. Lincoln/Mercury outlets also attracted buyers with deep enough pockets to swallow the Pantera’s $10k price tag. Unsurprisingly, it was quite out of place sitting next to a Lincoln Continental, and it possessed none of the traits that Lincoln buyers associate with the marque (comfortable, quiet, luxurious, etc)
- The Pantera has no exterior fuel filler. Instead, owners must lift the rear hatch to access the filler opening, which sits above the (hot) exhaust headers. Thankfully, there are aftermarket kits that allow an exterior fuel filler to be retrofitted
Key Model Year Changes:
Seller Notes:
1971 |
1972 |
Pantera “Pre-L”
5.8L 351ci Cleveland V8 | Dogleg 5spd transaxle (ZF) |
285 hp (SAE) @ 5400 RPM | 380 lb/ft torque @ 3400 RPM |
0-60 MPH: 5.5 seconds | Top Speed: 159 MPH (Autocar) |
Price when new: $10,000 |
Pantera “L”
5.8L 351ci Cleveland V8 | Dogleg 5spd transaxle (ZF) |
248 hp @ 5400 RPM | 326 lb/ft torque @ 3500 RPM |
0-60 MPH: 6.8 seconds | Top Speed: 150 MPH |
Price when new: <$10,000 |
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*SAE rated from factory. May not reflect current output.
*Performance numbers pulled from either the factory brochure or reputable automotive road tests.
*Base price when new does not reflect original MSRP of this particular car, nor does it reflect what the original owner paid for it.
*Advertised price at time of posting. Sellers can raise or lower prices on their original ad at any time. Click on the original ad to view current price/availability.
*Performance numbers pulled from either the factory brochure or reputable automotive road tests.
*Base price when new does not reflect original MSRP of this particular car, nor does it reflect what the original owner paid for it.
*Advertised price at time of posting. Sellers can raise or lower prices on their original ad at any time. Click on the original ad to view current price/availability.
Mileage Disclaimer: NOC has not confirmed if the mileage stated by the seller is true and accurate. It is up to the buyer to verify these claims. Vehicle history reports, service records stating mileage, and even inspections of odometer tampering are recommended.
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