DTO: Funny Looking: 1972 De Tomaso Pantera Convertible
The De Tomaso Pantera (Italian for Panther) was a Tom Tjaarda (notable for penning the VW Karmann Ghia, Ferrari 365 GT California, Fiat 124 Spider, Ford Maverick, 82′ Chrysler LeBaron, etc) designed coupe that used a mid engine mounted Ford 351 Cleveland V8 to push around its Italian built body. The most famous Pantera is clearly the one that Elvis put a few rounds into after it wouldn’t start, but the strangest looking award goes to this convertiblized Pantera. Find this 1972 De Tomaso Pantera Convertible for sale in Encinitas, CA for $32,000 via craigslist.
Turning a good looking coupe into a convertible an open top roadster (no canvas top means it can’t be converted into anything) with a sawzall isn’t as easy as it sounds and the hardest part is properly finishing off the windshield surround and rear deck area.
The Pantera is powered by a 5.8 liter Ford sourced V8 that was rated for 330 horsepower, but actually puts out closer to 380 horsepower. All Panteras were shipped with a manual ZF-sourced 5-speed transaxle and this is one of the 5,500 examples exported to the US. Current fixed roof Panteras are trading for $40k+, so is this one so strange looking it needs a discount to sell?
See a cooler topless classic? email us here:
great wheels – half expected the doors to be welded shut – would have been nice to see the engine – too bad i have no garage space… nor $32,000 loafing around, plus another $x000 to paint it a maleficent dark blue
I'm surprised they didn't add "Only driven on sunny days!", even though they were clear headed enough to request that all hate mail be withheld.
Worst. Chop. Ever. Just destroys the Clovis shape that looks so aggressive on those wide rubber gumballs. I will send my hate mail telepathically.
Reinforced mental wave of hate.
When the sun shines the bullshit subsides. In sunny southern California a Pantera can be one hot car….in more ways than one.
All of you who wasted hate mail on the 914 thread, now is your moment to shine.
BASTERZIED
A crime against man and nature.
I'll take "Chop Tops That No One Asked For" for 500, Alex.
What has been seen cannot be unseen.